Teachers went back to school as part of a two-day professional development workshop designed to boost skills.

The teaching staff alternated between the front of class and playing pupils in an exercise designed to improve instructional methods.

The workshop, for middle school science teachers, was organised by Stephanie Toro of Academic Independence Coaching, assisted by the Bermuda Zoological Society staff and materials from its programmes.

Jamie Bacon, the BZS education officer, said: “BZS is delighted to have been a partner with the Ministry in providing this opportunity for public middle school science teachers.

“There is definitely the need and the desire for more workshops like these – we certainly have the teachers who want to expand their knowledge.”

The organisers said he workshop gave teachers several methods and ideas they could share with pupils.

Teachers alternated between in front of the class to acting as pupils.

The workshop provided demonstrations and examples, suggested ways to evaluate teachers’ methods and held small breakout groups and full-group discussions.

Participants will work on one or two of their identified objectives over the next few weeks.

A BZS-sponsored personalised session to look at the results will be held by Dr Toro and three teachers.

Each teacher will present what they have achieved on their objectives.

The workshop, sponsored by the education ministry, was held on February 8 and 9.

About Bermuda Zoological Society

The shared mission of BZS and BAMZ is to inspire appreciation and care of island environments, and as the support charity for BAMZ, the BZS is an example of a highly successful non-profit/public partnership. Each year the BZS provide more than 8,000 free educational experiences through our Stempel Foundation BZS Schools Programme in addition to popular community programmes for all ages, development of BAMZ exhibits, and conservation and research programmes. Each year, BZS Volunteers contribute over 10,000 hours of valuable husbandry support to the Aquarium and Zoo with all programmes being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.