Shadayah Lawrence, a second-year biotechnology program teacher at Pontitz Career Technical Center in Dayton, Ohio, recently discovered how Feed the World workshops provide crucial support for educators new to the profession.
“One ‘aha’ moment I had here is that I’ve realized that hands-on professional development like this is very needed, especially when you’re a new teacher,” Lawrence shared. Coming from a career tech background without formal education training, she emphasized her commitment to growth. “I always tell the kids, ‘Just like how you have to study for exams, I had to study in order to become a better teacher.’”
The workshop, sponsored by Ohio Corn & Wheat, offered exactly what Lawrence needed for professional growth. Beyond providing curriculum materials, experienced science educators at the workshop helped her refine a realistic perspective on classroom management. “I’ve been trying to get in a couple labs a week, and one teacher said, ‘Oh, a couple? That’s a lot. I only do one,’” she explained. “I’ve been stressing myself out trying to do so much in a little bit of time.”
For new teachers seeking engaging activities, Lawrence found immediate classroom applications. “The biofuel lab that we did - the kids are really going to like it because they actually get to create something. They love to mix the chemicals, and we get to shake up the ethanol and corn oil mixture,” she noted. “The ticketase activity we did about enzymes and how they work - I think it’s fun while really solidifying the standards I’m trying to teach them.”
Lawrence particularly values the workshop’s accessibility for new teachers facing budget constraints. “For us to have a high-quality PD that’s free, and we get lunch - it’s a great big hug for my teaching heart,” she emphasized. “Actually doing the labs with other teachers and hearing their experiences to take back to my students is valuable.”
Looking ahead, Lawrence plans to take full advantage of Feed the World’s offerings. “Going to your website and looking at the resources you have - workshops for teachers and field trips for students - that’s what I’m really going to use. You’re going to see a lot of me and my kids!”