Twenty-nine area middle and high school math and science teachers recently participated in a two-day beginner level Texas Instruments workshop while 14 teachers participated in a one-day intermediate and advanced level training at Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau. 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 Texas Instruments technology makes a huge impact in our local classrooms,” said GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator Brianna Brassfield. “I always enjoy hearing teachers collaborate, and seeing them learn ways to better serve their students.”

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 in its third year of the $17 million grant, serving students, teachers, parents, and administrators in 39 partner schools in Southeast Oklahoma.