FUTUREKIDS in General

• What is FUTUREKIDS?
• What is FUTUREKIDS’ Mission?
• What are FUTUREKIDS’ Educational Principles?

Becoming a FUTUREKIDS Teacher

• Who are FUTUREKIDS Teachers?
• What is Professional Development?
• How do I get trained and where?
• I am already computer literate. Do I still have to go through training?
• What are the minimum requirements for becoming a FUTUREKIDS teacher?
• What are the benefits associated with FUTUREKIDS?
• How do I apply to become a FUTUREKIDS teacher?

Communication with Teachers

• I would like to post messages to students and FUTUREKIDS teachers. Can I do that?
• Once I become a FUTUREKIDS teacher, can I post assignments on the internet?

FUTUREKIDS in General

What is FUTUREKIDS?

FUTUREKIDS is the world's leading and largest provider of computer literacy training for children and adults. To date, FUTUREKIDS has operations in over 70 countries and provides computer literacy training in over 2,000 locations worldwide.

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What is FUTUREKIDS’ Mission?

At FUTUREKIDS we achieve our Mission by upholding the following Beliefs and Values:

1. By helping children to become futurekids, we can make a profound and positive impact on the world.
2. Outstanding, well-trained teachers are central to the success of our business.
3. Learning is made meaningful and exciting by focusing on the spectacular projects which children want to create.
4. Our service hinges on the quality of relationships between: franchisor/franchisee; franchisee/teacher; teacher/teacher; teacher/parent; teacher/student.
5. The business of educating children demands dedication. We will relentlessly strive to improve our educational and operating systems and require that these are followed with extraordinary energy and professionalism.

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What are FUTUREKIDS’ Educational Principles?

FUTUREKIDS Educational Principles:

1. Make Learning Fun
2. Let Students Learn by Doing
3. Provide Opportunities for Creative Expression
4. Provide An Emotionally Safe Learning Environment
5. Encourage Cooperative Learning
6. Provide Individualized Instruction
7. Make Learning Relevant
8. Teach Students Individual Learning Styles
9. Implement Authentic Assessment
10. Teach to the "Educable Moment"

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Becoming a FUTUREKIDS Teacher

Who are FUTUREKIDS teachers?

FUTUREKIDS teachers are part of a growing network of highly trained technology instructors. They are regular classroom teachers who undergo a training process called Professional Development to become a FUTUREKIDS teacher.

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What is Professional Development?

The FUTUREKIDS Professional Development Program provides a comprehensive, flexible solution for ensuring a high standard of computer skills for school staff. Each Professional Development session includes hands-on computer activities to guarantee effective learning. The Program includes training in hardware and operating systems, word-processing, graphics, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and much more. The Program has been certified by the Darden College of Education, Old Dominion University. For each 10 hours of training teachers receive, they will be certified for one Continuing Education Credit. Additionally, three graduate credits are available to those teachers who complete the entire 45-hour Staff Development Program. The program has been accredited by Clemson University (SC), Long Island University (NY), Old Dominion University (VA), Southern Utah University (UT), Towson State University (MD), University of Southern California (CA) and Wayne State (NE).

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How do I get trained and where?

You get trained in small groups (up to 12 participants) where you will find more individualized attention. The training location will be specified by the FUTUREKIDS instructor.

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I am already computer literate. Do I still have to go through training?

Yes. One of the most important elements of a successful technology program is teacher training and support. Therefore, by getting training from our own FUTUREKIDS instructors, you will have a better understanding of the level of instruction the curricula will be based on. This is also a good opportunity for you to polish your skills in computers and applications.

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What are the minimum requirements for becoming a FUTUREKIDS teacher?

In order for you to apply for a position with FUTUREKIDS, our minimum requirements for part-time or full-time positions are:

• The minimum educational requirement for all FUTUREKIDS teachers is a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
• A basic level of technology experience in and an understanding of Windows, Word Processing and other technology applications.
• A teaching certificate and classroom teaching experience are required for STS teaching positions.
• A Master's level degree is required to teach the Staff Development Curriculum for graduate credits.

For advanced application courses, fluency in the specific program (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is preferred.

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What are the benefits associated with FUTUREKIDS?

FUTUREKIDS provides a variety of benefits for full-time employees who work 40 hours per week. Contact us (see sidebar) for more information.

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How do I apply to become a FUTUREKIDS teacher?

To apply for a teaching position with FUTUREKIDS, follow the instructions below:

1. Go to our employment opportunities page.
2. Contact Us.

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Communication with Teachers

I would like to post messages to students and FUTUREKIDS teachers. Can I do that?

At this time we have not yet developed a message board, but you can exchange e-mail with your students and teachers. We may soon provide the e-mail addresses on this site as well.

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Once I become a FUTUREKIDS teacher, can I post assignments on the internet?

We may soon develop an area specifically designed for assignments and homework but do not offer this feature at this time.

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