Inter-Lakes, Antioch create new personalized pathway course

KEENE — A unique partnership was established over six years ago with the vision of creating a dynamic and innovative learning environment for Inter-Lakes School District professional staff received a new addition.

Personalized Pathways allow teachers to work on courses anywhere at any time in an adult competency-based learning environment with assignments that are all job-embedded where learning can be directly applied in the classroom in real time. Each course has four subsections called badges to be earned individually or together for graduate credit.

Badges are awarded by Antioch University New England through a digital transcript with a description of the knowledge and skills obtained. Courses are virtual and self-paced with a college facilitator who provides feedback, facilitates discussions and meets with staff.

A brand new course titled "Self-Designed Cycles of Inquiry" was designed by Inter-Lakes Curriculum Coordinator Erica Pappalardo and offers staff the ability to engage in the action research cycle to create, implement and reflect on their smart goals and re-certification requirements as established by the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Over 50 educators have explored the personalized pathways options with over 70 graduate credits earned to date.

“These courses have offered teachers great flexibility and entice teachers to go at their own pace, where they can utilize snow days, weekends or the summer months. I was able to maintain my teaching responsibilities while participating in cutting-edge and best teaching practices from the university level that could then be applied in real time into my classroom. This was a very positive experience and is a win-win for teachers as they can complete professional learning while also gaining college credit,” said third grade Teacher Mary Beaudoin. She has been teaching for 19 years all throughout the elementary and middle school levels and has participated in two Personalized Pathway courses.

For more information, visit interlakes.org