Professional Development
 
 
Whether or not a new procedure, curriculum, or innovation such as technology integration takes hold depends on
"the extent to which the school creates a professional community that harnesses and develops individual commitment
and talent into a group effort that pushes for learning of high intellectual quality".
 Professional Development in a Technological Age: New Definitions, Old Challenges, New Resources

Ongoing, sustained professional development for teachers, administrators, and support staff will be provided to further the effective use of technology in the classroom and library media center. Effective technology integration that increases student learning requires construction of new paradigms and systemic change. Ways of delivering professional development must consider the desired changes in teaching practice, and the support necessary to bring it about. The following principles are central to creating and nurturing such a professional community of teachers working with the complex task of bringing technology into schools to enhance learning:

  • Professional development for technology must extend a vision of technology as an empowering tool for teachers and students.
  • Professional development must stimulate reflective practice and be grounded in the context of teaching.
  • Professional development must exemplify our deepest beliefs about learning: inquiry, collaboration and discourse.
  • Professional development must recognize the interplay in learning between activity and belief.
  • Professional development must value and cultivate a culture of collegiality.
  • Professional development programs must provide continual contexts for formal and informal learning.
  • Professional development must provide opportunities for meaningful teacher leadership roles to emerge.
  • Professional development must enable teachers to shape their own learning
MSAD #5 is committed to providing teachers with ongoing training and professional development as a means in developing their knowledge, skills, dispositions, attitudes, and self-perceptions in using technology as a tool for student and teacher learning. As part of this commitment, training and professional development activities are included in district action plans.

The administration encourages all staff to participate in technology based in-service workshops, conferences and courses. The two technology integrators are providing this in their work with classes and during teacher consultation (or modeling ). The goal of the technology integrators is to provide just-in-time assistance. However, more intensive time is needed especially at the K-5.

Technology Institutes will be held during the summers, offering a variety of workshops to meet the variety of needs in the district. Specialized workshops for K-5 will be offered in 06-07 in order to address the equity issue in the district.

Technology Integrators will provide "just in time" support of teachers and staff members at the 6-12 level. A person will be identified in each of the K-5 building to provide technology support. The Technology Director will provide increased support at the K-5 level with the implementation of new equipment and software for 2006-07.