A.P. Biology: “What to Do After the Exam”

Posted by Dani Langdon on June 2, 2016 at 9:09 AM

Now that the A.P. Biology exam is completed, this is a perfect time for your class to explore topics of interest. Many teachers approach this time to allow students to investigate issues by debates (Are GMO foods safe? Designer babies-should there be limits? Mandating vaccinations? Should animals be sacrificed in medical research?). Other teachers use the time to do dissections using fetal pigs or cats. Student interest in forensics has inspired teachers to prepare “mock crimes” and have students use scientific evidence to determine the perpetrator. If your school is close to the elementary school in your town, students could be paired with an elementary school class to work with younger students and prepare a “book” that they write together on a biology topic.  Some teachers have their A.P. Biology students work with the Introductory Biology students to act as “teachers” of topics being covered. Use this time to have students share their enthusiasm for biology.

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Topics: Center for Professional Studies

"The Graduate Student in the Research Wonderland"

Posted by Kimberly McCoy-Blauser on June 1, 2016 at 9:17 AM

"I almost wish I hadn't gone down that rabbit–hole – and yet – and yet – it's rather curious, you know, this sort of life!"

I often refer to research as "going down the rabbit hole." It's a never–ending process with paths off of paths, hallways leading to nowhere, rooms inside rooms. It can be frustrating, especially for graduate students on a deadline. I wouldn't presume to say, "Don't be frustrated!" That would be pointless. However, when you get frustrated, try to remember that the rabbit hole leads to Wonderland, which may at times bring confusion, but also brings revelation.

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Topics: Programs

Are you ready to become a better, smarter English teacher?

Posted by Kelly Norris on May 31, 2016 at 1:49 PM

Hello Educators!  Want to get ahead on your MAT English Professional Licensure Program?  Or maybe you need Professional Development Credit to earn more money?  Or best of all, do you want to LEARN this summer and become a BETTER, SMARTER teacher?

We have the solution.

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Topics: Programs

Are you a recent Nursing graduate?

Posted by Andy Cunningham on May 26, 2016 at 9:38 AM

To the class of 2016 Associate of Science in Nursing graduates, we’d like to send congratulations to you on your graduation! We know you’ve dealt with long hours of studying, clinical practice, balancing work, family and everything else that goes along with becoming an RN to achieve this goal.  Now as you finally take a breath and have a few moments to yourself, have you thought about what you are going to do next?  This is the best time to consider continuing your education because you don’t want to lose all of your motivation, but where do you start? We know you’re busy applying for nursing positions so we’ll keep it brief, here are the first 3 steps you should complete when considering continuing your Nursing education.

1.  Research RN to BS in Nursing programs.  Ask yourself:

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Topics: Programs

Are you using technology in your classroom? Check out our summer technology courses!

Posted by Kimberly McCoy-Blauser on May 24, 2016 at 12:00 PM

With technology constantly changing, schools are investing in technology to help improve and enhance student achievement. Educators need to ensure that students can demonstrate what they know, and not just "know." When implemented properly, these technologies can produce significant gains by boosting engagement with interactive learning especially with at-risk students.


That’s why here at Fitchburg State we offer courses just for teachers. We help you figure out how to best implement technology into your classroom and utilize it to help your students explore and create. By creating the right blend of teaching and technology we can provide the tools necessary for our students to succeed.

Some of our offerings this summer include:

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Seeking to integrate film into your English courses?

Posted by Kelly Norris on May 18, 2016 at 9:20 AM

For teachers seeking to integrate film content into English courses, and all those seeking a deeper knowledge of literary and film genres, this is a great course for you.

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Topics: Programs

3 Important Tips on Teaching AP Courses

Posted by Dani Langdon on May 17, 2016 at 10:37 AM

Fitchburg State University has been hosting the AP Summer Institutes for over 10 years.

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Topics: Center for Professional Studies

Hybrid Literature Class on 20th Century American Women Writers

Posted by Kimberly McCoy-Blauser on May 11, 2016 at 10:30 AM

Do you want to read some wonderful books by some of our most unique and compelling voices?  Looking for new authors and works to share with your classes? Want to build a reading list for exams or a thesis? If so, sign up for this hybrid literature class in Summer II!

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Topics: Programs

Leadership Development for Police Professionals

Posted by Dani Langdon on May 5, 2016 at 3:45 PM


A collaboration between local, state and private public safety agencies and

The 6th Annual Next Generation Leadership Summit at Fitchburg State University is once again coming together to be a catalyst for leadership development among police professionals. This Summit enables participants to build the critical competencies needed to grow as leaders in the public safety arena. Each year the field’s demand for well-educated and better-trained leaders increases. As such, this Summit meets this demand by helping you to build a better understanding of leadership, communication, and executive functioning, and by further helping you learn how to build productive relationships throughout your department and within your community.

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Topics: Center for Professional Studies

Educators, are you looking to foster communication between your students?

Posted by Kelly Norris on May 4, 2016 at 3:35 PM

Graduate and Continuing Education is excited to offer a new course this summer, Teaching Through Dialogue: A Course for Teachers Who Want to Foster More Engaging, Meaning-Making, Student-Centered Talk.

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