A Unique Professional Development Opportunity
Teachers Teaching Teachers

STARR is a state-level professional development program for Missouri schools created under provisions of the Outstanding Schools Act. The program provides professional classroom-tested training to help teachers use authentic instruction, performance-based assessment and Missouri's new academic performance standards. 

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education launched the STARR program during the spring of 1994.  For the past eleven years, top classroom teachers have been recruited to learn about and then share with their colleagues instructional practices which have been proven most effective in helping students to become more successful in school.

Each year a new group of STARR teachers is selected.  After selection, they are provided in-service workshops, emphasizing authentic instructional techniques, throughout the school year. After each in-service, teachers return to their classes at their home schools to practice the skills and techniques learned. On at least 10 days during the school year, they attend seminars and meet in statewide or regional groups for feedback, further development of skills, and other follow-up activities.

After a year of preparation, the teachers selected to participate in the program are housed at the nine Regional Professional Development Centers (universities) during the school year. Traveling to various school sites near their university base, they provide in-service for teachers throughout the state of Missouri.