Watertown Professional Development


Professional Development in the Watertown Public Schools is committed to offering adult learning that enhances educators' knowledge, skills, and expertise. Through professional development, educators deepen their content knowledge, learn research-based instructional strategies, and strive to understand all students' diverse learning needs while holding them to high expectations.  Professional Development is an investment in constructive improvements of teaching and learning in the District.

We aim to continue to build the capacity of a diverse staff to be excellent teachers and administrators by providing high quality professional development aligned strategic goals, instructional support, coaching, and an evaluation framework that fosters continuous improvement. The focus of our professional development program is to engage educators in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

The Professional Development Team (PDT) in collaboration with principals and curriculum coordinators, plans and implements the Professional Development Program.  Watertown employees are encouraged to keep track of their own professional development points for recertification.  For District PD, Watertown can produce a certificate with course descriptions to be submitted to DESE.

Watertown's approach to Professional Development is unique.  Watertown offers collaborative and meaningful collaboration led by Watertown staff. The professional development model encompasses three meeting strands:
  • Faculty
  • Department/Grade-Level
  • Professional Learning Team

Recertification Guidelines for Massachusetts Educators


Professional Development Points (PDPs): Effective July 28, 2017, the required distribution of PDPs for all academic educators renewing a Professional level license has been amended as stated in the regulations(CMR 603 44.05). The required minimum breakdown to renew a Primary area is as follows:

License Renewal:   


  • At least 15 PDPs in content (subject matter knowledge)

  • At least 15 PDPs in pedagogy (professional skills and knowledge)

  • At least 15 PDPs related to Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) or English as a Second Language (ESL)

  • At least 15 PDPs related to training in strategies for effective schooling for students with disabilities and the instruction of students with diverse learning styles                                   

The remaining required 90 PDPs may be earned through any combination of “elective” activities that address other educational issues and topics that improve student learning, additional content, or pedagogy. 


The renewal of each Additional area license(s) will require 30 PDPs, of which 15 out of the 30 must be content related.  
             
WPS Core Values

  • Excellence
    • We commit to high expectations for each student.
    • We invest in a culture of reflection, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement.
    • We provide a rigorous and nurturing academic environment.
    • We foster creativity, resiliency, and confidence.

  • Equity
    • We provide all students with a high-quality education.
    • We create conditions necessary for all students to engage in powerful, deep learning.
    • We provide resources for academic and social/emotional success for all students.
    • We ensure access to a welcoming and safe environment for all students, parents, and families.


  • Community
    • We share accountability for the success of all students.
    • We celebrate the contributions of each individual to our inclusive, diverse community.
    • We believe partnerships with families and the community are the cornerstone of student success.
    • We foster caring and collaborative relationships as the foundation for student engagement.