Professional Development Pathways

Rationale:  Every teacher learns differently, and every school has unique needs. A one-size-fits-all approach to professional development (PD) is simply not effective in maximizing teacher growth and does not have a direct effect on increasing student achievement. Differentiated PD offers a compelling solution by tailoring learning opportunities to the specific needs of educators.

• Addresses Diverse Learning Styles: Teachers, like students, have preferred learning styles and areas of expertise. Differentiated PD allows them to engage with content in ways that resonate most effectively, fostering deeper understanding and retention.

• Meets Individual Needs: New teachers require foundational skills, while experienced educators might seek to refine existing strategies or explore innovative approaches. Differentiated PD caters to this spectrum of needs, ensuring all teachers have opportunities for growth.

• Targets School/District Priorities: Schools face distinct challenges. Differentiated PD allows for the creation of focused programs that address the specific curriculum areas, grade levels, or instructional strategies most relevant to a school's improvement goals.

• Enhances Teacher Efficacy: When teachers feel supported in their professional growth, their confidence and ability to implement new strategies increases. Differentiated PD demonstrates a commitment to teachers' success, fostering a more positive and productive learning environment.

• Improves Student Learning: Ultimately, the goal of professional development is to improve student outcomes. By ensuring teachers have the targeted skills and knowledge they need, differentiated PD creates a direct path to increased student engagement, achievement, and success.

Differentiated professional development acknowledges the diverse needs of both educators and schools. By providing targeted learning opportunities, this approach empowers teachers to become more effective practitioners, leading to a direct and positive impact on student learning.

MRSD Professional Development Design is

• Strategic: Professional learning designed to support MRSD’s strategic and schoolwide improvement plans.
• Differentiated: Professional learning designed to meet  individual learning needs.
• Learner Driven: Professional learning designed with an educator's voice and choice.
• Agency: Professional learning that is designed to be relevant, meaningful, and interest-based.

Reminder

For workshops/conferences/series/courses/conferences, you will need to seek prior approval per Unit A/B contract.  These lists are suggestions for those workshops/events that directly connect to our strategic plan goals and action steps, and the lists are not required or exhaustive.

If the workshops/conferences/series/book clubs are offered by the district, sign-up will soon be on Vector Solutions (formally known as Teachpoint). PLC PDPs will also be tracked via Vector.  All educators will be trained in October on how to use Vector PD Tracking systems.  We will transition from SMART EDU to Vector by October 30, 2024.