Today marked an exciting day in professional development as enrichment teachers from across the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District (MOISD) gathered in their respective areas of study to collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen instructional practices.
Educators convened at multiple locations throughout the district, engaging in meaningful conversations focused on creativity, innovation, and student learning.
Art teachers gathered at Riverview Elementary, where teachers shared instructional strategies, lesson ideas, and approaches designed to inspire student expression and engagement. Not far away, Choir and Vocal Music teachers worked together in Mr. Olsen's room for their learning.
At Big Rapids High School, Band and Instrumental Music teachers collaborated and shared methods for music instruction and student development. Just down the hall, the Industrial Arts teachers met in the shop as well.
Physical Education and Health teachers met at Brookside Elementary to share best practices in health and fitness. They collaborated to develop strategies for overcoming common hurdles in their ever-changing curriculum.
Meanwhile, Technology, Computer Science, and STEAM educators met in the MOISD School Improvement Room and welcomed AI Consultant Justin Fox as a guest speaker.
The day created strong networking opportunities and helped build meaningful professional relationships across districts. Teachers actively shared ideas, teaching techniques, and classroom examples, while also revisiting proven instructional methods that are being reinvented and applied in new ways. Open conversations around challenges educators face allowed participants to discuss obstacles and share solutions that have been successful in their own districts.
Participants also spent time discussing how to advocate for their subject areas, reinforcing the importance of enrichment programs and their impact on student learning. Throughout the day, educators encouraged and built one another up, highlighting a shared commitment to collaboration, professional growth, and student success.
In addition to the enrichment-focused sessions, other professional development was taking place across the Big Rapids Public Schools district. Staff members brought different grade levels together to engage in deep dives into core curriculum areas such as math, literacy, and social studies, strengthening vertical alignment and instructional consistency.
District staff also participated in learning focused on Big Rapids Public Schools’ MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) platform, including how the district is integrating artificial intelligence to enhance student supports.
Big Rapids Public Schools was proud to support and host several of these collaborative sessions. By learning from one another and working collaboratively, teachers are strengthening instruction, fostering innovation, and expanding opportunities for students throughout the area.
