Professional development plan gets OK
Professional development has been a key strategy since the district began long-range planning in 1989. It continues to be part of Strategic Planning as the district recently rolled out its new 5-year plan this year.
Margaret Bauman, Ph.D., instructional services supervisor, presented the annual Staff Development Plan to School Board members. The Strategic Plan indicates that professional development will focus on the knowledge and skills staff need as they educate students to thrive in an interconnected, global community.
A team that includes the Professional Development Advisory Council (PDAC) and is headed by Woodside Principal James Edmond, Jr., and Willow Springs Principal Margee Tackes, Ph.D., will create an action plan for the strategy. Initial steps will be implemented beginning next school year.
Among initiatives for 2009-10 are to:
- Implement technology training for effective use of SmartBoards, the new e-mail system and classroom Web pages;
- Strengthen classroom assessment practices that include developing quality assessments, engaging students in the assessment process and giving effective and timely feedback; and
- Continue vertical team workshops and connect vertical teaming to the elementary level.
In addition, the action plan will have an impact on professional development initiatives at all levels as teachers implement classroom practices that engage and empower students and prepare them for life in the 21st century, according to Bauman’s report.
Personnel news
In personnel news, the School Board:
- Accepted the resignations of two associate principals, effective June 30. Cynthia Stemper, who has been a half-time administrator at Woodside for two years, will return to full-time teaching in the Elmbrook School District. Craig Brimacombe, who has been at Hamilton for eight years, has taken a position as principal at Jefferson High School.
- Granted leaves of absence for the 2009-10 school year to Marcy fifth grade teacher Erin Pandya and Lannon third grade teacher Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell; and
- Appointed Tracy Ellis as a special education teacher at Lannon for the 2009-10 school year.