ETP Newsletter: August 2025
- Abigail Oliphant
- Aug 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Summer Academy 2025: Where Educators Build Tomorrow
ETP's Summer Academy - the company's annual week-long internal training - provides a comprehensive, dual-track professional development experience designed to prepare both technical and instructional staff for the upcoming school year. The Information Technology track, led by IT Training Coordinator Ian Haserick, focuses on industry best practices and the hands-on
review of new system implementations to ensure a seamless digital infrastructure. In conjunction with this, the Teaching track, led by Abigail Oliphant, empowers educators by diving into
effective classroom management strategies and exploring the new curriculum being introduced by ETP. By bridging the gap between technical efficiency and pedagogical excellence, our Academy ensures that all staff members are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary for a successful academic year.
Highlights from the ETP Summer Academy 2025
IT Track
The two-day training program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen IT management, technical proficiency, and faculty support. Day one focused on the structural foundations of a healthy IT environment, beginning with server architecture, deployment, and optimization. Next, the schedule moved into network troubleshooting and diagnostic tools, followed by sessions on technology information management—which emphasizes standardized admin access and secure documentation. The afternoon concluded with an intensive look at security practices, including cybersecurity fundamentals and incident response protocols.
Day two shifted the focus toward practical application and collaborative support. The morning began with a dedicated session for faculty training, equipping technicians with basic troubleshooting skills and a clear understanding of classroom technology support procedures. The program transitioned into a "What Not To Do" analysis of past system failures, followed by hands-on practical exercises where participants engaged in real-world troubleshooting scenarios. The training concluded with a final review, a knowledge assessment, and a feedback session to ensure all key concepts have been mastered.
Teaching Track
The ETP Summer Academy 2025 teaching agenda featured several key sessions focused on classroom foundations and specialized STEM topics. The academy opened with an intensive two-hour session on July 23rd led by Abigail, covering classroom management, behavior, schedules, and building relationships. This foundational focus continued on July 24th with another two-hour session on "Teaching a lesson," which delves into lesson planning, rubrics, assessments, and breaking down learning targets.
Technical and creative skills are also prominently featured throughout the three-day event. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions such as Animation, Engineering with Makedo, and 3D printing, which included troubleshooting and managing technical issues. The agenda also incorporated innovative teaching methods like STEM Improv and a wide array of "Traveling Stations" featuring tools like Spheros, Makey Makey, and Snap Circuits.
The final day, July 25th, focused on resource management and emerging technologies. Key sessions include exploring "Stem bins" and finding resources within the school and community, alongside a look at high-tech subjects like Machine Learning, Robotics
(specifically using Finches), and AI. The academy concludes with a debriefing session followed by social activities, including an escape room.
Why we hold our academy each year:
Each year, we host our Summer Academy to ensure our teachers and IT professionals are fully prepared to enter the classroom equipped with the latest technology and innovative teaching practices. To maintain this high standard, our coordinators attend specialized training throughout the year to sharpen their expertise, with all curriculum and materials consistently vetted by company administrators. This annual gathering serves as a vital touchpoint for collaboration, allowing staff from all our schools to align their strategies and share insights. Beyond professional development, it is a meaningful time for our entire company to unite as one community; it offers a perfect opportunity for veteran staff to mentor new hires and for everyone to build relationships, ensuring we remain agile and connected in the ever-changing landscape of the educational world.
Interested in learning more? Bring ETP professional development to your school year-round.
Discover how ETP is redefining the digital future of education. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for exclusive academy updates, technical insights, and classroom resources shared throughout the school year. Ready to transform your school’s landscape? Reach out today to start the conversation.
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