On a yearly basis, additional workshops are offered to all K-8 teachers in the Partnership. These one-week Peer Teacher Workshops enhance teacher's ability to use science modules, mathematical materials, and supporting technology. As part of their professional development, teachers also serve on Assessment Investigation Teams, which have been established in each partner district to study and develop assessment instruments more closely aligned with inquiry-centered instruction. Details Technical Professionals and Other Employees as Volunteers . The Merck Institute recruits volunteer scientists, engineers, and other Merck employees who are trained by the Institute and then supported in their roles as resources for teachers and role models for students.
Many volunteers work in school-based teams.
The volunteer corps directly supports teachers, works with students, builds community support, and works to change policy within the districts. Details Communications . To improve communications between teachers, volunteers, and school personnel, the Merck Institute has provided laptop computers having access to an e-mail account to all Leader Teachers within the Partnership. Details Penn-Merck Collaborative. The effort is designed to increase teachers' knowledge of science, help them implement learning strategies that engage children in science, and strengthen science learning by integrating the science and language arts curricula.