The AMSTI Math and Science Partnership (MSP) “Aiming Higher” Summer Institute for Professional Development recently held workshops at Gadsden State Community College for local secondary teachers.
The workshops, which offered week-long sessions in math and science, gave teachers the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the subject matter while learning new and exciting ways to teach these subjects.
Funding for the workshops was provided through the Math and Science Partnership grant from the Alabama State Department of Education.
Teachers enrolled in the “It Takes Heart” cardiovascular workshop gained real life experience from Dr. Charles Sirna, an invasive cardiologist from Gadsden, as he demonstrated several surgical procedures on cadavers.
Dr. Sirna also volunteers his time at Gadsden State during the fall and spring semesters.
He and cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Ed Ferguson visit the Human Gross Anatomy and Pathophysiology class each semester to demonstrate various surgical procedures concerning the heart.
Students are also visited by Dr. Daniel Sparks, a local orthopedic surgeon, who performs surgical procedures on the joints of the cadavers.
Anatomy and Physiology instructors, Cynthia Freeman and Philip Snider are very appreciative of the doctors for donating their time to Gadsden State.
“It is very unique for these doctors to take time out of their busy schedules to come help our students,” Snider said.