District Master Teacher

The 2021-2023 Master Teachers will serve as lab classroom teachers who showcase best practices aligned to the district's professional learning focuses for the year. The 2021-2023 Master Teacher cohort will serve as a pilot group to assist with the "re-institution" of the lab classroom model used in Rock Hill Schools over 10 years ago.

The lab classroom is an in-house professional development model that takes place in the Master Teacher's room during the normal school day and includes a pre-observation meeting and a debriefing session. The lab classroom provides an authentic opportunity for colleagues to see ideas in practice. Because the model provides for several sessions throughout the year, teachers have the opportunity to share and discuss the successes and challenges of their independent practice with their colleagues, continually improving.

Application

A completed application that includes a principal recommendation is required for all Master Teacher applicants. Teachers selected as Master Teacher finalists will be observed by a small team of district professional learning leaders.

Lab Classroom Professional Learning

Master Teachers will undergo 10 hours of required professional learning and coaching on topics to include instructional best practices, co-facilitating a lab classroom debriefing conversation, etc.

Lab Classroom Opportunities

Master Teachers will be asked to host at least 4 lab classroom experiences including the pre-observation, observation, and debrief during the 2021-23 school year. Substitute coverage will be provided by the district for all debrief sessions.

Master Teachers are not expected to be perfect in their practice, but they should be willing to open their classrooms to colleagues and participate in deep discussions about their own practice. Modeling best practice and leading collegial conversations about best practice is an impactful means to improve the practice of both the lab classroom teachers and the participating teachers.

Master Teachers will receive a stipend of $500 for the year to include professional learning and other obligations beyond the work day. Master Teachers will also receive 10 hours of renewal credits for planning and facilitating debriefing conversations.

Master Teachers for the 2021-23 pilot year will serve for only one year. All subsequent Master Teachers will serve for two years. Those who serve as Master Teachers can re-apply for a consecutive term.

Application Window Opens- August 1, 2021

Application Window Closes- September 8, 2021

Observation of Master Teacher Finalists- September- October 2021

Master Teacher Notification- October 2021

Master Teacher Training and Coaching- Fall 2021 (Dates TBD)