Thirty-two area middle school math and science teachers recently participated in a two-day beginner TI (Texas Instruments) workshop while 30 teachers participated in a one-day intermediate and advanced training at Eastern Oklahoma State College in McAlester. The workshops were designed to help teachers integrate the TI-Nspire Navigator Systems effectively into classroom instruction, which helps students explore, understand and connect the principles of science, math, coding engineering design, and electronics. The trainings were conducted by Texas Instruments Specialists Mike Smith, Sandra Hocutt, Cassie Whitecotton, and Doug Roberts.

“The impact Texas Instrument technology makes in our local classrooms amazes me,” said GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator Brianna Brassfield. “I am always so excited to hear teachers collaborating and learning how to better serve their students using this technology.”

The trainings are provided by Eastern Oklahoma State College’s 2017 GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant. GEAR UP is a federal initiative to increase the number of low income students who enter and successfully transition into postsecondary education. Eastern is beginning its third year of the $17 million grant, serving students, teachers, parents, and administrators in 39 partner schools in Southeast Oklahoma.