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DKG Practice/Program

Mary Whitten, a how COVID-19 impacted all educators and the importance of holding a virtual
member of Kappa
Chapter, is a past state workshop at this time: “The very first thing I appreciate about this workshop is the
president of Maine State opportunity to meet all the educators! Sharing is learning! Positive vibes! Getting
Organization and is to know that everyone is trying all they can to make it better for their students!”
currently teaching high An in-person professional development workshop resumed in 2022; however,
school chemistry. She the momentum of growth had been impacted by COVID-19. Thirty-six registered,
was a recipient of the with only 29 in attendance. Many educators were still hesitant to attend in-person
2001 Presidential Award
of Excellence in Math events. Despite the low numbers, Maine SO members felt so strongly about
and Science Teaching. providing professional development to state educators that S-T-R-E-T-C-H Your
memwhitten@gmail.com Teaching became part of our updated Strategic Plan.

Details
The day-long, in-person event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Upon arrival,
educators are greeted with snacks. The opening session, attended by all registrants,
features a keynote speaker and is followed by a set of breakout sessions, lunch,
and a second set of breakout sessions. Attendees typically have a choice of four
presentations during each breakout session. Topics are chosen to entice both active
educators across all grade levels and content areas as well as those who are retired.
Lunch is provided as part of the registration fee, giving time for educators to
connect with others and relax. Door prizes are drawn during the lunchtime break.
As participants leave, they are asked to complete an exit ticket (see page 46) that
helps in planning for the next year’s event. Each person registered is offered a
certificate of 5.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward recertification of their
Maine state license.
As noted earlier, keeping fees low for attendees was important because
schools in Maine have limited budgets for outside professional development. The
registration fee is still as it was in the first year: $20 for DKG members, $30 for
nonmembers if paid by February 15,
and $40 for nonmembers after that
date. Starting with the third year, the
organizers reached out to teacher-
preparation programs in the state and
offered the professional development
opportunity for $10—the cost of
lunch—to preservice teachers.
Currently, registrants pay by check
because Maine SO does not accept
electronic payments due to the costs
involved.
To reach a wider group of
educators, it is important to offer
a variety of topics and levels for
keynote presenters and breakout
sessions. Keynote presenters thus
far have focused on technology,
S-T-R-E-T-C-H attendees enjoy the lunchtime spread.
understanding how and why people
do what they do, literacy across all

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