The Corporation Learning Professional Development Training (CLPDT) gives teachers the tools they need to reengineer their classroom from a teacher-centered "I lecture...you listen" arena into a program that can develop students into highly motivated self-learners. The CLPDT gives teachers the training to refine their skills and practices (Standard 2,3,4,5) and introduces teachers to a new methodology (Standard 8,9,11) based upon successful practices (Standard 6) and gives teachers the resources to broaden their knowledge and expertise (Standard 1,2,3) in their classroom. Teachers will learn how their students can provide innovative, creative and collaborative activities so that each student learns and realizes the burden for learning falls as heavily on the teacher as it does on the students. (Standard 2). The program focuses on improving students' grades through reading, presentations, teaching, writing and teamwork while addressing the CCCS and WRS (Standard 4) in all disciplines.

John O'Hara, Kearny High School, Kearny, NJ will provide the Professional Development Training. John has more than 30 years experience and teaches Physics and ITV Aerospace Science and has taught Chemistry, Math, General Science and Sports Medicine. He conducts workshops in Corporation Learning to educators and students throughout New Jersey and has presented more than 600 science demonstrations nationwide to schools and community groups. John O'Hara has received the NJ School Boards Association School Leader Award (2000), the NJ Chamber of Commerce NJAPIE Award (1999), the NJDOE Governor's Teaching Recognition (1998), the Princeton University Distinguished Teacher Award (1997), the NJDOE Best Practice Award for Physics (1995) and for ITV Aerospace (1996), the Kearny School District Distinguished Teacher and Teacher of the Year Award (1997, 1998. He also presented at the NJ Education Summit (1997)and at the Principals and Supervisors Association convention in Atlantic City, NJ (1998)

Professional Development Training in Corporation Learning is available to all 7th - 12th grade teachers in all disciplines. In as much as this process is student-centered, each teacher will be invited to bring one student to the training session. Training can be provided to the entire staff or it can be provided by subject area, grade level or interdepartmental. Training can range from a half-day to a two or three day session. Training will include lecture/discussion, teamwork and collaboration, and simulations in the CL process. Participants will be given workbooks and training manuals. After the CL process is introduced and understood, teachers and students will be assigned a topic to develop using the CL process. They will be guided in the creation and formation of the teams, be shown presentation techniques and will present a CL class to the participants showcasing their topic and the CL process. The training session will conclude with an opportunity for Q&A, and evaluations.

Depending upon the number of participants (faculty and students, 100 maximum) in each Corporation Learning Professional Development Training seminar, a classroom with desks or tables and chairs, a media center or cafeteria, would provide a suitable setting. The room should have a white/chalk board, a projection screen, a VCR and monitor. The professional development trainer will provide all training manuals, workbooks and handouts. Training can be offered whenever convenient for the school district including after school, evenings and weekends. The cost for the training is $400/half-day, $750/full-day, $1,000/two full days plus travel expenses for the provider. Special consideration will be given for multiple workshops in the same school or school district. Prices are subject to change and interested school districts should contact the provider for current pricing.