Teacher Support

We Believe in Collaboration & Connection

We've already talked about how CalPac CARES about students, but we also pride ourselves in creating caring relationships between staff members. We want our teachers to feel supported and valued, and to really become part of the CalPac family. No one should be on an island and while we are all working remotely, we still value the importance of an open door policy, even if it's a virtual one. Some days are amazing and there will also be days that make you want to pull your hair out with little Johnny. Just know that your admin and fellow teachers are always available to bounce ideas off of, commiserate, problem solve with, and cheer you on. You'll find when you ask other teachers that it is the caring community we build here that makes working at CalPac the best.

Staff Evaluation and Classroom Observations

This section covers our staff evaluation and classroom observation process. Administration is here to support, mentor, and celebrate the successes of our teachers. New ideas and strategies are encouraged and shared. This is the mindset we bring to our evaluation process and classroom observations. Being able to see our teachers put learning in action is the real highlight of our administrators' day. Please keep this in mind when we jump into your classes.

Plan on drop in classroom observations from your administrator. At the end of each observation you will be provided with an observation feedback sheet outlining the learning in action observed, commendations, and any suggestions to explore. If you are doing a lesson that you would like to showcase don't hesitate to give your administrator a heads up so they can jump in. There is a formal observation with a full lesson plan outline required towards the end of each school year. All observations are part of end of year evaluations.

SMART Goal setting and reflection is a key part of our yearly staff evaluation process. We start the year with a goal setting meeting where staff will pick three goals (instructional, operational and personal) to work on for the year. You will then meet with your administrator to review your goals and strategize resources to help you accomplish them. Periodic check-ins with your administrator happen throughout the year to check goal progress and refinement.

At the end of the school year there will be an end of year evaluation meeting to review SMART Goal outcomes and reflect on areas of strength and improvement. You will be able to self evaluate yourself using our evaluation rubric and your administrator will add comments based on observations. It is an open process driven by self feedback and observations as well as administration input.

If you have concerns or questions about your performance don't hesitate to ask. Again, administration is here to celebrate the unique and amazing efforts of our teachers. You are the experts in your field and we value your professionalism.

All SMART Goal and evaluation processes will be discussed during the start of the school year.

Reporting Structure

All K-8 teachers report to the Assistant Director of K-8, Erin Rineberg. She will oversee classroom observations and end of year evaluations. Please reach out to her with questions and when you are in need of support.

All HS teachers report to the Assistant Director of High School, Tyler Phipps. He will oversee classroom observations and end of year evaluations. Please reach out to her with questions and when you are in need of support.

All DCs and counselors report to the Director of School Operations, Ericka Zemmer. She will oversee classroom observations and end of year evaluations. Please reach out to her with questions and when you are in need of support.

All special education staff report to the Assistant Director of Special Education, Dr. Vangie Akridge. She will oversee classroom observations and end of year evaluations. Please reach out to her with questions and when you are in need of support.

You will also work closely with your department chair who will share school updates and facilitate planning. Please reach out to your department chair when you have questions about procedures and systems.

Ongoing Support

As a new staff member, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and to have a million questions. Don't worry - the more you do the easier it becomes. And there is an entire safety net from your department members to administrators ready to jump in and support. Just don't be afraid to ask for help or ask for clarification if you are unsure. Just like we tell the students, there are no dumb questions.

We highly recommend pairing up with another teacher and joining the department chat groups so that you can quickly ask questions and get support throughout the day. Everyone is eager to help and we love to collaborate.

Professional Development

Teachers are encouraged to participate in professional development and continued learning opportunities. We offer various professional development opportunities throughout the year. You are also welcome to submit a professional development request to your administrator for approval. Most requests are approved so long as they do not have extensive travel or lodging requirements.