Inservice Center
Who We Are
The UNA Inservice Center provides professional learning opportunities for public educators throughout the year that are focused on identified needs within the region.
Our Inservice Center is one of eleven Regional Inservice Centers across Alabama. These centers were created by the legislature with the mission of providing professional learning opportunities, training, and support for the state’s public educators. The 11 centers form the Alabama Regional Inservice Center network, or ARIC.
The center works collaboratively within the ARIC network to offer statewide opportunities. Also, we have the following state-wide support programs for educators: Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI), Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM), and Alabama Technology in Motion (ATIM). These programs offer support and training to the region’s educators to enhance student learning in the areas of math, science, and technology.
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)
The Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative, commonly referred to as AMSTI, is the Alabama Department of Education’s initiative to improve STEM teaching statewide, including improvements in the individual and integrated STEM subjects. Its mission is to support Alabama educators and students in learning STEM through doing STEM.
AMSTI Beliefs
- Equity – ensuring learning opportunities for all
- Expertise – delivering content and pedagogical knowledge and resources informed by evidence of effective practice
- Efficacy – maintaining high expectations for staff and stakeholders
- Empowerment – building sustainability and connecting STEM providers in Alabama communities
- Engagement – learning by doing for staff and stakeholders
Learning By Doing
AMSTI has three basic services: professional learning, resources, and onsite support. “AMSTI for All” describes the work of an AMSTI site in providing a menu of services framework to district leaders to discuss how LEA needs may be met by AMSTI’s services. Teachers are eligible for initiative training once they complete Foundational Training in the appropriate subject area. Teachers who attend training receive the designated resources and support needed for implementation. As funding allows, AMSTI services will be provided to both individuals and schools based on the tiered models of support described in math, science, digital literacy and computer science.
For questions about AMSTI, contact Lori McGuire at lamcguire@una.edu.
Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM)
Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM) is the High School Science component of AMSTI. The goals of Science in Motion are to provide high-tech laboratory experiences for students and effective professional development for teachers.
In many instances, the cost of the equipment involved would be prohibitive for individual schools or even systems. Sharing this equipment through Science in Motion offers equally enriching opportunities to students from different backgrounds and schools. Professional development workshops improve teacher mastery of subject matter and equipment use.
Through these workshops teachers from different school systems gain the opportunity to network with peers, sharing both content knowledge and teaching techniques. Program specialists may also team teach during classroom visits increasing the teacher-student ratio and providing additional content knowledge.
For questions about ASIM, contact Stephen Phillips at sphillips2@una.edu.
Alabama Technology in Motion (ATIM)
Using the Alabama Course of Study: Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) standards as a guide, the Alabama Technology in Motion (ATIM) Specialist provides professional learning experiences for K–12 teachers on integrating digital literacy and computer science into the curriculum.
Professional learning experiences are available on-site and online and are planned and executed in collaboration with participating schools/LEAs to meet their needs and goals. The overriding principle is to ensure that the skills are not just learned, but implemented as a routine part of each teacher or administrator’s job. The ATiM Specialist is a professional educator who is familiar with Alabama’s K–12 curriculum and has expertise in using technology in the classroom. That expertise is strengthened by working as a member of the statewide team.
For questions about ATIM, contact Deidra Brewer at drbrewer@una.edu.
Inservice Cost and Learning Hours
Most professional learning sessions, support, and opportunities provided through the Inservice Center are free! Participant educators who attend a professional learning session through the UNA Inservice Center earn clock hours that apply toward teaching certificate renewal.