Professional Development

Byron Public Schools believes in investing in its human capital. We have developed a professional development model that ensures that all Byron Staff have access to a high level of training to ensure highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals in the classroom. We believe in job embedded professional development that ensures teachers receive ongoing, day to day instruction in best practice. We have a district staff development committee that oversees staff development and building site teams are responsible for building staff development activities. In addition to providing opportunities for professional development around our strategic plan, Byron staff will have opportunities to ensure:

            • all students are ready for kindergarten

            • we are closing the achievement gap

            • all students in third grade achieve grade level literacy

            • all students attain career and college readiness before graduating from high school

            • all students graduate from high school

Staff Development Committee:

            • Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Director: Jessica Denter

            • Director of Technology and Learning: Jen Hegna

            • Primary/Equity Instructional Coach: Becky Demmer

            • Intermediate/Equity Instructional Coach: Holly Vos

            • Principal of building request is being made from: Amanda Durnen, Abe Rodemeyer, Richard Swanson, Malia Schroeder

            • Secondary/Equity Instructional Coach: Janelle Groehler

            • Special Education Coordinator: Janeen Eddie

            • Support Staff Paraprofessional Representative: James Verbout

            • Parent Representative: Nichole Nicholas

            • Teacher representative from each building

Site Based Professional Development consists of:

            • Site Team representatives

            • Instructional Coaches

            • Principals

Wednesday, October 2, 2019: 3:30-4:30p.m. BHS MPR

Wednesday, December 11, 2019: 3:30-4:30p.m. BHS MPR

Wednesday, March 4, 2020: 3:30-4:30p.m. BHS MPR

Wednesday, May 13, 2020: 3:30-4:30p.m. BHS MPR

Below are the structures in place to provide high quality classroom instruction every year: Professional Learning Communities (PLC's)

Each of our buildings meet in regular weekly PLC’s. The focus of these PLC’s is reviewing curriculum, instruction and assessment and using data to guide focused discussions around student learning.

External Conferences/Seminars

We are committed to providing training with a specific focus, whether it’s related to Curriculum, Instruction, Intervention or Assessment.

            • Teachers and Support Staff may request Staff Development by filling out the staff development request form

            • Upon attending Staff Development; staff will be expected to share their learning with colleagues: this may be done in a variety of ways:

              • Through PLCs

              • Staff Meetings

              • Professional Days

Professional Days & Staff Development Days

Professional days & Staff development are embedded into our school calendar. This is an opportunity for staff to receive ongoing professional development.

            • Professional Days & Staff Development days are opportunities for district staff and or speakers to provide district wide staff development.

PLC Retreat

Each year, we will provide an opportunity for teachers to gather together to review district operation plan goals, curriculum, instruction, interventions and assessments, set goals, and begin work with PLC expectations.

            • Our PLC Retreat will occur during Teacher Workshop week each year.

Instructional Coaches

Teachers receive job embedded support with regards to embedding best practice strategies into the classroom. They work with teachers on curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices. They help teachers use best practice strategies and use data to guide instruction. These Instructional Coaches meet weekly with the Curriculum Director to recap the weekly classroom/team time visits.

            • Currently we have a Primary Instructional & Equity Coach, an Intermediate Instructional & Equity Coach, and a 6-12 Instructional & Equity coach.

Team Time Meetings/Staff Meetings

Our middle school schedule has allowed us to provide a specific Team Time Professional Development each week. Our middle school teachers participate in discussions around relevant topics.

Peer Review/Teacher Evaluation

Teachers have the option of visiting any classroom three times per year for additional peer review of best practices. See Teacher Professional Growth and Development page.