Educators at Diamondback Elementary School, a CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition member, took part in a large gathering of nearly 300 Bullhead City teachers for the district’s Professional Development Day in January.

Joe Buzzelli, principal at Diamondback Elementary School, gave a talk on CHARACTER COUNTS! to introduce teachers to the Six Pillars. He reassured his audience that the framework can be easily integrated into an educator's hectic schedule -- and that it can be worked into any subject.

“Teachers say they have too much on their plate already,” Buzzelli said. “And we try to say Character Counts is the plate that all other subjects rest on.”

The CC! presentation enhanced other discussion topics, ranging from differentiation and understanding students, recognizing when students might be homeless, and understanding the brain, to the use of new technology. Buzzelli said the 8-hour day taught the staff new job skills and also gave them a chance to meet and share ideas.

Enthusiastic attendee Buffy Moreno, instructional specialist at Diamondback Elementary School, valued the insightful discussions. “A lot of people [were] talking about things they got out of each session and people were refreshed and inspired to try some of those ideas out in the classroom,” she said. “It re-energized me and re-focused me.”

Read more in the Mohave Daily News.