LUTCHER — The St. James Parish School District will host its annual back-to-school workshop for school employees beginning Monday, Aug. 3. Lutcher High School along with the Career and Technology Center and Public Relations Building will host the district’s estimated 400 employees for the three-day staff development workshop.

The purpose of the summit is to provide high-quality professional development organized around three main areas: Content-Academic subject knowledge, Context-Climate for authentic learning and Process-Repertoire of instructional strategies.

The theme for this year’s summit is “Providing the Tools for the Trade.” The seminar will give teachers an opportunity to earn 18 hours of Continuing Learning Units (CLU).

Monday’s opening session will be headlined by prominent author, educator and school founder, Ron Clark. The 2006 television film, “The Ron Clark Story” was inspired by his life. In December of 2008, Oprah Winfrey donated $365,000 to Ron Clark for the Ron Clark Academy for his dedication to the education profession.

Several other national, regional and local guests will serve as panelists, luncheon speakers and session moderators during the three-day workshop.

For more information regarding the workshop visit the SJPS website at http://www.stjames.k12.la.us.