Teachers with a major or minor in their subject area:
100%
Sherman Oaks Charter School kicks off each school year with a four-day faculty retreat at a local beach resort. Not a bad way to start things off. In addition to relaxing staff — and providing a great view — the retreat helps get everyone on the same page and opens a yearlong dialogue on staff development topics.
Then, throughout the year, teachers gather each day for a 60-minute Mid-Day Block to eat lunch and work on staff development and collaborative projects. These ongoing workshops are a special time for the teachers to examine topics and themes. This year, teachers agreed to devote two hours a week to professional development for literacy. The school hired an on-site staff developer to orchestrate literacy in-services and to coach new teachers in their classrooms.
The staff solidifies its esprit de corps by preparing a weekly family-style meal. Teachers continue their camraderie and professional development discussions during weekend hikes and other social gatherings.
School leaders are furthering their commitment to staff development by setting up a dedicated conference room for more small-group staff development. The room will be fully equipped with the latest technology for presentations and note-taking.
The payoff for such a commitment to nurturing teachers has been worth it. Sherman Oaks has significantly raised student achievement this year and has had the highest gain in test scores in California.
School leaders are furthering their commitment to staff development by setting up a dedicated conference room for more small-group staff development. The room will be fully equipped with the latest technology for presentations and note-taking.