PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
June
‘07-’08 brought a unique opportunity to all K-8
teachers in the North Country Schools.
The teaching professionals had an option of choosing a more
traditional pathway with direct instruction which would
include 8 full days of instruction on Using Data to Inform
Practice and began June 11thof
this year. This course was taught by Bernie Cleland and
Duffy Miller at Derby Elementary School.
The other pathway for professional growth and development
was aligned with the concept of professional learning
communities that many staff have been studying for the past
several years. This pathway invites educators to form
cohort groups to study together, improving their skills in
collaboration, reflective practice and examining teaching
and learning. At the end of the school year, in June
’08 the cohorts will share their findings with their
colleagues.
Dr. Weston’s vision includes;
• That
teachers become involved in driven reflective practice,
looking deeply at a specific
practice that is part of their daily work.
• That teachers are released from the constraints of
‘sit and get’ staff development
and join together as self-directed professionals.
• That this learning and professional discussion occur
with groups across the supervisory union.
• That K-8 teachers take on some learning that is new
and a personal stretch, not
something they have done before.
• That they join in a process of study with their
colleagues, and in June of ’08 they can look back
and say, “we grew”!
Overall,
it is an opportunity to gather with colleagues and study
together. As a lifelong learner, what could be better?
The following
lists are links to more information that may be of help to
you.
Cohort Rubric
Journal Format &
Sample
Timelines
Advisors