Teacher Education

Core Training and Model Classrooms

The Step by Step reform cycle begins by creating model classrooms in several public pre- and primary schools throughout the country, chosen by their potential for future success. Core training is provided to a team of early childhood experts responsible for developing the program. A set of hands-on methodologies and training guides provide practical applications of child-centered, community-based philosophies in early childhood programs. New countries are mentored by professionals with extensive experience in the implementation of SbS programs. Through country visits and ongoing communication, these teams work together to design implementation strategies and ensure that quality standards are achieved. Core training includes:

• Creating Child-Centered Programs for Infants and Toddlers, 3-5 year olds; 6-7 year olds; 8-10 year olds
• Transition to Middle School
• Creating Child-Centered Materials
• Creating Inclusive Classrooms
• Parent Involvement and Advocacy
• Developing Democratic Schools

Expansion to additional classrooms is dependent on the resources available in local communities or from the Ministry of Education. The goal of the Step by Step development cycle is to establish high-quality, self-sustaining Step by Step training programs that are officially accredited by the appropriate Ministry and are available and affordable to all teachers, schools, and communities.

Regional Training Centers

Exemplary Step by Step programs in schools are transitioned into training centers. These centers can be found in remote rural communities, as well as in urban centers, so teachers do not need to travel great distances to receive training. These centers provide cost effective, comprehensive training to teachers who are interested in learning SbS methods. At these centers, teachers may observe classrooms, participate in substantive training courses provided by training staff and receive professional guidance from teachers experienced in working with SbS methods. Many of these Step by Step Training Centers are accredited by the Ministry of Education and are also formally linked to teacher training institutions and universities.

“Previously, during teacher training, the teachers just sat and wrote what they were told. In Step by Step, teachers enjoy coming to the seminars. Some of the teachers come from the rural areas on bad days in bad weather just because it’s a pleasure for them. They are eager to attend these trainings.” —Step by Step Teacher, Moldova Teacher

Training/Retraining Institutes

As one of its strategic goals to achieve systemic impact, partnerships with existing pedagogic institutes, universities, and teacher training and re-training institutes are established with the goal of introducing curriculum change. Full courses on early childhood and interactive teaching methods are available to these institutions, as well as opportunities for student teachers to do their practicum in Step by Step classrooms.

“There are 18 universities who work with us, implementing Step by Step courses. We also work with 11 teacher training institutes in Kazakhstan. We think that the network we developed will be helpful in educating a new generation. Teachers have a new vision and a new mission.” —Dina Aidzhanova, Director, Step by Step Kazakhstan

International Teacher Standards and Certification

The Step by Step programs use ISSA standards as a way to ensure quality as programs expand throughout each country. The ISSA standards are comprehensive and reflect best international childhood education practices. Certification is dependent on actual classroom practice, rather than attendance at trainings. The standards can also be used as a self-assessment tool for teachers, and as a teaching tool by trainers.

“As countries who are about to join the EU, it is especially important for us that the Step by Step Program and ISSA’s Standards are compatible with the best international early childhood practices.” —Eva Deak, Director, Step by Step Hungary

Teacher Evaluation Using ISSA Standards: A Tool for Professional Development and Quality Improvement

by Tatjana Vonta, EdD, Director, Developmental Research Center for Educational Initiatives, Slovenia

Published in Educating Children for Democracy, Issue Number 7, Summer/Fall 2004

The ISSA Teacher Standards, developed by the International Step by Step Association (ISSA, 2002), provide a model for teacher certification in the Step by Step Program. Click here to read the entire article.