How It Works:
How It Works:
In addition to any self-directed (like conferences, training, or webinars) and school-directed (like faculty meetings and mentorship) professional development, all faculty members will participate in one observation experience each semester and a year-long discussion group.
Click on a box on the choice board to learn more about each group.
Click on a box on the choice board to learn more about each experience.
Yes. Similar to faculty meetings, all teachers are required to participate. Non-teaching faculty are encouraged to participate as well.
Teaching is a rich and rewarding profession, but it is also a practice that can easily devolve over time. If we do not consistently pursue growth as educators, we are vulnerable to settling into a way of doing things that feels comfortable and safe. While those are not negative qualities, over time we can find ourselves in a rut: more set in our ways, less open to new ideas and developments in our field, less impactful with students, and less satisfied in our work. Our Teacher Development Program serves primarily to create a structure around what we all know we need to do every year: try new things, learn from our colleagues, expand our understanding. Because teaching can be an isolating profession--particularly in the older grades--TDP also provides an opportunity to connect meaningfully with other teachers and administrators at Paideia. Connected teachers are happier teachers, and happier teachers do better work in the classroom.
Teachers should complete one observation experience each semester. Teachers should also select a discussion group to participate in all year. Attendance at a minimum of 3 discussion group meetings is required.
There is nothing more to do. However, you will be required to fill out a form at the end of each semester so we recommend that you take notes on your experience and reflections while it's fresh on your mind.
Independent projects are no longer included in the TDP choice boards. These projects can still count as self-directed professional development.
The TDP requirement is attending at least 3 meetings per year. However, we encourage you to attend as many as possible.
Yes. You may get up to 3 hours of sub coverage each year for TDP purposes.
Discussion group meeting times and dates are set by the group's facilitator(s). Facilitators may offer group meetings during the all-levels faculty meetings which are reserved for discussion groups. This year, those dates are October 8, November 12, January 21, and March 25. If you attend a discussion group that is not scheduled during the all-level faculty meetings, you are excused from faculty meetings on those dates.
Our discussion groups are about more than just learning new things; they're also a great way to build our community and work together. That's why we made it a requirement that every single one of these groups is open to everyone on our faculty.
You might notice there are other groups on campus focused on pedagogy, but if they're only for a specific department or grade level, they don't count as an official TDP discussion group. Think of them as specialized professional development groups.
If you have an idea for a future discussion group, contact the TDP coordinators.
The TDP program falls under the professional development umbrella, which includes both school-directed (e.g., faculty meetings, admin observations, TDP learning experiences) and self-directed (e.g., conferences, mindfulness work, accreditations) opportunities.
Yes. Since the TDP program is a great way to get to know other faculty members and the culture of Paideia, we ask anyone who works directly with students to participate in the program. If observations are part of your mentorship requirements, you are not required to do any additional observations.
Absolutely! We encourage all faculty and staff to participate. Use the sign-up form to sign up for any groups you are interested in.
No. While Admin Observations still happen on a recurring basis, they are no longer a part of the TDP program. Contact Dara Simmons if you have any questions about admin observations.
Yes. Since the intention behind Admin observations is different from TDP observations, they are now separate from the TDP program. Contact Dara Simmons if you have any questions about admin observations.
Absolutely! The minimum is one group, but you can join as many as you like.
ile@p (Lacey Andersen and Amy Valk) coordinates the Teacher Development Program. If you have any questions about professional develoment in general, contact Laura Magnanini. Dara Simmons handles the record keeping of TDP participation. Reach out to any of them at any time.