Attend the 2012 AFT TEACH Summer Academy

The AFT TEACH Summer Academy 2012 will be held at The Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights, Md., July 10-18.

Registration is available online only; the deadline is June 13. The fee is $395 until April 18, and $495 after that. Because of budget limitations, the AFT can fund locals' participation up to the following levels:

• Under 500 members: two participants
• 500 to 1,200 members: three participants
• Over 1,200 members: four participants

Special registrations
Locals willing to pay all costs may opt to send additional individuals as long as there is available facility space and/or classes are not filled. Full-cost registration for courses is $2,100 per participant, which covers hotel (shared room), airfare, per diem and materials.

Registration payments
Online registration allows payment using credit cards. If you prefer not to submit your credit card information online, you can mail credit card payments, along with the “balance due” form you receive by e-mail after registering online, to:

AFT TEACH Summer Academy 2012
Attn: Membership c/o Tina Bridgeforth
555 New Jersey Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001

Checks from the local or district also will be accepted, and should be mailed, along with the “balance due” form you receive by e-mail after registering online, to:

AFT TEACH Summer Academy 2012
P.O. Box 791212
Baltimore, MD 21279-1212

Registration forms or credit card information will not be accepted via fax.

Cancellation policy
Registration closes June 13. The last day for registration cancellations is July 5. You will forfeit your registration fee if you cancel your registration after July 5. If for any reason we are unable to offer a course, the AFT will notify participants as soon as possible.

Expectations of participants
Participants should:

Attend all classes.
Complete evaluation forms.
Complete all Reflection on Research Concept Forms (RORCA). This requires participants to try four research concepts from the course in their classrooms and complete the reflection forms, and submit them to the course coordinators (there will be four forms for returning participants; five forms for first-time participants).
Complete additional homework and/or projects as assigned by course facilitators.
Serve as a local facilitator of courses taken for their locals.

First-time participants
First time participants will be required to take the mini-course, Delivering Effective Professional Development (DEPD). This year, part of the course will be done online prior to coming to the academy. The course is designed to provide all participants with skills and strategies for teaching adults and coordinating a professional development program.

University of Oregon graduate or undergraduate credits
Summer Academy participants have the opportunity to earn credits through the University of Oregon. For more information and to register, visit:
www.aft.org/issues/teaching/profdevel/oregon.cfm

Travel information
When completing your Travel Reservation Request Form, your name should be the same as it appears on your driver’s license or identification.

Air: The closest airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI). Your ticket will be electronic. An itinerary and passenger receipt will be sent to you via email or via U.S. mail if you do not provide an e-mail address. Review your itinerary as soon as you receive it and contact the AFT immediately if it is not correct.
Train: Amtrak train tickets will be sent via U.S. mail. The train stops at the BWI Rail Station, which is only a few miles from the Maritime Institute.
Ground Transportation: At the BWI airport or train station, you can locate a cab for the short ride to the Maritime Institute (approximate cost: $12), or you can call for the complimentary Maritime Shuttle Service at 410/859-5700.
Driving: Participants who live close by are encouraged to drive. If your trip requires a night’s lodging, the AFT cannot pay the cost of the hotel. If the mileage costs (55.5 cents per mile) exceed the cost of the lowest airfare available, the AFT can only reimburse you the amount of the airfare.

Meals: The AFT will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner each day beginning with dinner on the day of arrival and concluding with lunch on July 18. AFT’s reimbursement policy does not allow us to reimburse the cost of meals purchased off-campus during Summer Academy.

Personal considerations

Dress: Informal (jeans, sneakers, etc.).
Climate: Hot and humid; however, rooms may be chilly, so please bring a sweater.
Supplies: Participants should bring their own basic supplies (such as highlighters, Post-It Notes, spiral notebooks, etc.).

Internet access
The Maritime Institute offers high-speed Internet connections in guest rooms and the lobby at no charge. Please use this connection at your own risk. The AFT will not be responsible for the loss of data or any damage to your computer. The AFT will have several computers available for participants to check e-mail before and after class or during breaks.

Americans with Disabilities Act
The AFT will make every effort to ensure that accommodations at the Maritime Institute are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If an AFT TEACH Summer Academy participant anticipates a special need ensuing from a disability, the participant should contact Karen Zook at 202/879-4476 or kzook@aft.org by July 5. The AFT will attempt to accommodate any special needs to ensure that attendees can participate fully in the AFT TEACH Summer Academy activities.

January 17, 2012