Faculty Education Services

New Teacher Inducation Program


 

 

Professional Development Core

The Professional Development Core (PDC) is designed to provide all new teachers to the district with a clear and comprehensive introduction to the instructional skill set that is the core of our district’s vision for excellence in teaching. This program exposes new teaching staff to the district's expectations and culture concerning classroom instruction and resources. The Professional Development Core is a required component for all new staff and must be completed in the first two years of employment with the district. It is comprised of five components with both orientation and skills based features. The program is organizationally based around the Frameworks For Teaching model (Charlotte Danielson) and draws upon the wide body of research in instructional theory and best practices. New hires can complete the Professional Development Core (PDC) by either completing a series of coursework (describe below) or by demonstration of proficiency to your building principal. New teachers to the Profession will have the material in the PDC presented during your induction sessions provided during the school year.

Components

The PDC consists of five components. They include:

  • Induction Seminar For New Employees (Taken during the first year of employment)
  • Instructional Planning: A Blueprint for Success
  • Effective Classroom Management: It's No Secret
  • Instruction: Effective Strategies to Engage Students

Who Must Complete the Professional Development Core?

The professional development core must be completed by:

  • New to Profession (NP): NP teachers are enrolled in a 3 credit New to Profession Induction Seminar that meets before the school year begins and then on a monthly basis throughout their first year of employment with the District. This seminar exposes new teaching staff to the District's expectations and culture concerning classroom instruction, Development Core requirements for new teachers.
  • New to the District (experienced) Teachers (ND): ND teachers participate in an Induction Seminar that meets before the school year begins and twice during their first year of employment. ND teachers must demonstrate proficiency in skills associated with the classroom use of Management, Planning and Instruction. These proficiencies can be demonstrated by the completion of the PDC courses or through demonstration of proficiency which is attested by their building principal.

The PDC components are offered in a self standing 1 credit course format. The district covers the cost of all materials and credits for the core classes. Dates and locations for the courses are listed on the district's web site under Professional Development.

Completion of Core Requirements through Demonstration of Proficiency

For those new to district teachers with prior experience who feel they have mastered the core instructional areas, an alternative to participation in the classes is available. With the approval of the building principal, a teacher can demonstrate their proficiency in the designated areas. During a teacher's observations and evaluation visits performance of these skills may be used to fulfill the course requirements. In the Management, Instruction and Planning components the principal will be the person authorized to evaluate whether an employee possesses the skill necessary to demonstrate proficiency. The form used to meet this requirement is provided in the menu above. The proficiency form should be sent to the Professional Development Office who will keep records of completion of these components.

Waiver for Equivalent Advanced Study

Those teachers who have completed graduate advanced or degree track courses whose curriculum replicates a PDC component, may request a waiver of the PDC class or proficiency requirement for that component. Waiver eligibility will be reviewed by the Peer Assistants and based on the similarity of course in question. A form (see menu above) must be submitted with documentation or description of the course curriculum. To determine the course content match you may consult with a Peer Assistant or class syllabus.

Professional Development Core Extension Request

Teachers may request a one year extension to complete the Professional Development Core requirements. A completed form must be filled out and signed by the teacher and building administrator prior to the conclusion of the school year (2nd year). An Extension Request form can be located in the menu above.