If you are a stargazer, you know that Castor is one of the brightest stars in the Gemini constellation field. KASTOR is also the name of Neuhaus’ professional development program for novice teachers. KASTOR stands for Knowledgeable and Skilled Teachers of Reading. The teachers who participate in this program will be the brightest stars in the field of reading instruction.

KASTOR is a two-year pilot program for general education Grade 1, 2, or 3 teachers in Houston-area public schools with 1 to 3 years of teaching experience. The teachers who are chosen to be KASTOR Scholars will participate in a collaborative, consultative model of professional development, leading to a Neuhaus Education Center Knowledgeable and Skilled Teacher of Reading Diploma.

A Neuhaus instructor will mentor each KASTOR scholar. Together, the scholar and mentor will design an individualized, sustained plan of professional development that includes best practices in reading instruction to meet identified needs of the scholar and her or his students.

KASTOR scholars will have the opportunity to participate in extensive Neuhaus professional development classes, virtual teacher forums, and bimonthly webinars. KASTOR mentors will provide feedback from classroom observations and continuous consultation aimed at promoting student achievement.

KASTOR scholars will agree to carry out their individualized plan of professional development and provide information and data as requested. Individualized plans and requests may include: knowledge surveys, written feedback and reflections, student data (both formal and informal screenings and assessments), self-perception surveys, self-efficacy surveys, live and taped demonstration lessons, live and taped interviews, and photographs. Information and data will be collected and utilized in Neuhaus Education Center’s on-going research.

Tuition and other program costs are provided through the generosity of local foundations and other funders. KASTOR is available at no cost to the teacher, the school, or the district.