Three Smith-Cotton High School teachers are among only 91 educators across Missouri selected to participate in the inaugural class of the Personalized Competency-Based Master Teacher Cadre program.

The professional learning opportunity is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to master personalized, competency-based learning through a blend of in-person and virtual experiences. Selected from Smith-Cotton were math teacher Candice Davison, English language arts teacher Alicia Maggert and social studies teacher Ashley Young. They will participate in about 40 hours of learning between February and June through a combination of pre-work/self study, four in-person sessions and a series of virtual sessions.

Educators selected for the Master Teacher Cadre program will be divided into groups across the state that are led by veteran teachers with extensive knowledge and experience.

By the end of the program, participants will have developed the expertise and leadership skills of a “master teacher” who can serve as a mentor and resource to colleagues, guiding them in the effective implementation of competency-based learning.