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Educator and Student Programs

OMA&D’s GEAR UP Educator Development Initiative program concluded in 2017. These web pages are for historical purposes only. For information on Washington State’s GEAR UP grant, visit Washington GEAR UP. If you’re looking for OMA&D’s RISE UP GEAR UP program that serves the Yakima and Skagit Valleys, visit uwgearup.org.

Educator and Student Programs
GEAR UP EDI’s professional development—both in terms of content and delivery—reflects current academic research and best practices. Our goal is to support educators in improving their own best practices and to support schools in making the systemic changes needed to prepare all their students for postsecondary success. GEAR UP EDI also fosters networking and affinity groups within the Washington GEAR UP schools and leverages the expertise “in the room” among the GEAR UP educators. GEAR UP EDI professional development workshops are designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration among middle, high school and postsecondary faculty, teachers and staff.
Professional Development for Principals and District Leaders addresses:

  • Creating a college-going culture
  • Implementing rigorous curricula and support programs
  • Dropout prevention
  • Instructional leadership
  • Community and family engagement

Professional Development for Classroom Teachers addresses:

  • Academic standards for college readiness
  • Innovations in curriculum and instruction
  • Culturally responsive teaching
  • Strategies to support college aspirations and preparation
  • Student engagement and motivation

Professional Development for GEAR UP Coordinators and Graduation Specialists addresses:

  • Community and family engagement
  • Cultural competence
  • College and career planning
  • College admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and costs
  • College retention programs and strategies