The SHIFT staff works with schools, districts, and other groups to ensure a high-quality experience that meets your needs. We can provide a train-the-trainer workshop, in addition to the general educator training, and accommodate flexible scheduling whenever possible.  The SHIFT professional development experience includes the following details:

• SHIFT's goal is to train teams of three to four teachers from a school, in addition to a school administrator. There is evidence that this approach increases the likelihood to implement learned strategies and curriculum into teaching practice and promotes sustainability.

• Upon completing requirements, participants are eligible to receive credit for their participation in a SHIFT professional development experience.

• Participants are trained with hardware and software they have access to in their schools, whether Mac or PC, and engage in the same project-based experience they will bring back to their classrooms.

• Each participant receives the comprehensive SHIFT curriculum guide that includes: units and lesson plans, rubrics, supplemental DVDs containing youth-produced media and instructional videos demonstrating filmmaking concepts, and other additional resources.

• Participants engage in the filmmaking process, which is closely linked to the writing process.  Throughout the experience, participants work in teams to produce a variety of short films, such as public service announcements (PSAs), documentaries, instructional videos, and personal narratives.  These projects are screened throughout the training.

• Two to three local and national guest speakers who work in film, education, or youth media present at the workshop.

• Participants have an opportunity to share and discuss best practices of project-based learning and address challenges related to classroom management. 

• Participants also receive access to SHIFT online resources to support the implementation of the professional development experience in their classrooms throughout the school year.