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Attending the national tournament is an opportunity for newer coaches to see the best of the best in competition and learn through both observation and networking with other coaches. For veteran coaches, it represents an opportunity to observe trends of performance styles and to share thoughts on best practices.
To make the entire experience even more worthwhile, the NFL has partnered with Minnesota State University, Mankato to grant continuing education units (CEUs) or graduate credit for coach clinics at the National Tournament.
Whether or not a coach’s students qualified to nationals, he or she can take advantage of this opportunity. Coaches of qualifiers can still make their judging obligation in rotation with attending clinics.
Track 1: Newer Coaches
Module A: Practical Basics of Managing a Forensics Program
Sunday, 6/14/09 – 9-11am & 12-3pm & Monday 6/15/09 - 8am-12pm - 1 CEU
Learn practical tips for getting off the ground and not just surviving, but thriving in everything from setting up practices, to developing a contest schedule to managing a judge corps and even fundraising.
Instructor: Glenda Ferguson, Hall of Fame Coach
Module B: Practicum in Judging Debate
Sunday 6/14/09 - 3pm-5pm, Assigned Judging & Thu. 3-4 p.m - 1 CEU
Discuss judging pedagogy and learn the best strategies for writing constructive, meaningful criticisms in debate events (Policy, Congress, Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum).
Instructor: To be announced...
Module C: Practicum in Judging Speech
Sunday 6/14/09 - 3pm-5pm,Assigned Judging & Thu. 3-4 p.m - 1 CEU
Discuss judging pedagogy and learn the best strategies for writing constructive, meaningful criticisms in speech events.
Instructor: Glenda Ferguson, Hall of Fame Coach
Track 1 or 2: All Coaches
Module D: Forensic Trends & Best Practices
Tuesday 6/16/09, 8am-1pm; observation of 3 final rounds - 1 CEU
A panel discussion with leading coaches in various events.
This module can be applied to graduate credit.
Instructors: Cynthia Timmons & Glenda Ferguson
Track 2: Veteran Coaches
Pedagogical Brain-Based Approaches to Forensic Teaching
Featuring one of the most respected teacher trainers in Texas, Ms. Cynthia Timmons, this series includes the following three modules, plus module D above, which could instead be taken as four independent CEUs.
Modules E/F: Brain-based Pedagogy in Forensics 1 & 2
Sun. 6/14/09 - 9-11am & 12-4:30pm; Mon. 6/15/09, 8:30-11am&12-6pm; Thu. 6/18/09, 2-4pm; observation of 1 final round - 2 CEUs
A theory-driven curricular development seminar discussing brain-based teaching, teaching by design/for understanding and other research-based proven approaches to reaching students in classroom or co-curricular speech and debate.
This module set can be applied to graduate credit.
Module G: Special Issues: Students in Poverty, Learning Styles, Emotional States, Improving Memory
Tue. 6/16/09, 2pm-4pm; Wed. 6/17/09, 8am-12pm; Thu. 6/18/09, 8am-11am - 1 CEU
Extending the brain-based explorations in modules E/F, this seminar will examine how to help students manage emotional states, effects of poverty on brains, learning styles, improving memory, and how these issues apply to teaching forensics.
This module can be applied to graduate credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Will This Cost?
If you take the CEU route, you will pay NFL $140 per module/unit. So, four modules would cost $560. The cost for graduate credits is described below. Some schools/districts offer tuition reimbursement programs, while others may allow coaches to allocate fundraising monies toward tuition. Check with your school administration for details.
How Do I Apply and Pay for Graduate Credits?
To attempt graduate credit, you must apply online or download the application form with Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) to formally register/pay for the credits. We recommend coaches apply for non-degree seeking status, which is faster/easier and permits one to take up to 9 graduate credits without formally applying to a specific program. Coaches may, of course, do the full application process now (or later if they decide to go beyond 9 credits). Register for 640-NFL Forensics I (3 credits), Summer 2009. Cost for graduate credits:
- $60 fee to NFL (apply and pay below)
- $40 one-time application fee to MNSU (apply and pay as described)
- $950 for three credits (online learner/residency rate)
So, a coach would pay a total of $1050.
What if I don't want/need credits?
Go for the CEU option. The cost for CEUs is still inexpensive compared to other professional development programs, and gives you accredited certification for your time by Minnesota State University, Mankato.
When must I register?
You must sign up for the courses by May 30, 2009.
Registration Closed...
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