All Mi-STAR teachers are supported by a facilitator on the local level as they implement Mi-STAR. We train and certify qualified individuals as Mi-STAR Professional Learning Facilitators.
Mi-STAR Professional Learning Facilitators
Mi-STAR Professional Learning Facilitators (PLFs) support Mi-STAR teachers to implement the curriculum. PLFs are also trained to facilitate teacher training and ongoing PLCs.
The role of Mi-STAR PLFs:
- Register new teachers
- Support and mentor new teachers in completing Phase 1 and 2 training in their first year, either through Mi-STAR virtual opportunities or locally with a PLF
- Problem-solve and offer guidance and encouragement for new and experienced Mi-STAR teachers
- Serve as a liaison with Mi-STAR staff
- Communicate Mi-STAR news, updates, and PL opportunities
- Serve as an advocate with district administration and the community
- PLFs also may provide Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 training, and conduct PLCs.
Active PLFs receive full access to the Mi-STAR curriculum in order to best support their teachers,
and the annual subscription fee is waived.
Prerequisites:
- The Facilitator Pathway is for individuals with the appropriate STEM background and previous experience in facilitating professional learning in-district or within an ISD, such as coaches, consultants, and district leaders.
- We recommend that PLF candidates have had at least one of the following trainings: NGSx training, Modeling in Michigan training, MISCIPL@N workshops (Tier I, II, and III).
Facilitator Pathway Overview
The activities for this pathway are listed in sequential order below:
Introduction to the Mi-STAR Curriculum for Facilitators
PLF trainees complete an online asynchronous Canvas course. This course provides an introduction to the structure of the Mi-STAR curriculum and resources to support teachers to engage students in 3D learning. This course takes about six hours to complete.
PLF trainees participate in six virtual two-hour PLC meetings with training leaders as they work through the Introduction to the Curriculum for New PLFs Canvas course.
Support Teachers
Facilitate Teacher Training
PLFs support new Mi-STAR teachers as they complete their training and begin to implement the Mi-STAR curriculum in their classrooms.
Facilitators have the option to provide the Phase 1 Introduction to the Curriculum PLC meetings for their teachers, or to have teachers participate in that activity virtually with Mi-STAR staff.
Communications and Support
Certified PLFs are the first point of contact for teachers who have questions about implementing Mi-STAR.
PLFs also share updates from Mi-STAR regularly, such as when new curriculum and pedagogy resources become available or when there are new virtual professional learning opportunities. They provide feedback to Mi-STAR regarding their teachers’ successes and challenges.
Continuing Professional Development
Quarterly Check-In Meetings
Certified PLFs virtually join other PLFs and Mi-STAR staff for quarterly meetings to discuss updates with Mi-STAR and to share successes and challenges in supporting teachers as they implement the Mi-STAR curriculum.
Annual PLF Refresher Sessions
PLFs participate in at least one annual PLF refresher on timely topics that help them support teachers in their area to implement Mi-STAR. These include Mi-STAR Learning Series sessions, Phase 2 courses, webinars, and MSTA presentations.
