PHASES OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

All staff are encouraged to participate in professional development courses. The courses offered are designed to meet the needs of both the new teacher, the teacher in pursuit of the professional certification and the veteran teacher. Phase One courses are suggested for new teachers and is typically taken during the first year of teaching in the Bellingham Schools. It is suggested that teachers take Phase Two courses during years two – five. Phase Three courses represent those learning opportunities for veteran teachers.

Phase One

Building Capacity for effective teaching through content, pedagogy, and classroom management

Phase Two

Deepening of knowledge of shared vision of student learning that is individualized and engaging in collective inquiry

Phase Three

Building capacity to participate in school improvement activities and contributing to the learning community

This level provides opportunities for new teachers to link current understanding about their practice with the Professional Certification Standards. New teachers work with a professional development team to assess their practice and to begin the process of developing a plan to reach the professional certification criteria.

Participants will leave with enough understanding of the content to practice and use the new knowledge and skills in the classroom. Participants are expected to leave with enough understanding of the content to practice and use the new knowledge and skills in the classroom. Emphasis is on developing confidence and competence through practice and feedback. Additional support comes from site coaches.

At this level professional development focuses on two strands: 1) Opportunities that assist the veteran teacher in reflecting and improving their instructional practices through study groups. 2) Opportunities to learn leadership strategies in order to teach others in the organization new knowledge.

•  Attendance at the New Teacher Seminar Series

•  Participation in the District Mentoring Support System

•  New Teacher Orientation

•  Sexual Harassment

•  Blood Borne Pathogens

•  Assessment Series

•  Technology

K - 12

•  Differentiation of Instruction

•  Classroom Instruction That Works

•  Understanding By Design

•  Assessment Series

•  Developing a Learning Environment

•  Math Institutes

•  Technology

•  6 Trait Writing and Scoring

Elementary

•  Grade Level Meetings

•  D'Nealian Handwriting

•  2 nd Step Training

•  Assessment

•  Spelling Strategies

Secondary

•  Teaching Strategies for Literacy – Secondary

•  Assessment

•  Study Groups on Current Topics in Education

•  Curriculum Development

•  Mentor Academy

•  Facilitation Skills

•  Change Leadership

•  Technology

•  Institutes

•  Grade Level Planners

•  Coach Development