L I F E L O N G

Professional Development at Beauvoir

MICHAEL THOMPSON & ROB EVANS ON HOPES & FEARS

By Meredith McAbee, Partner Teacher, Second Grade

Starting this school year on September 8, 2021 with Michael Thompson and Rob Evans’ professional development was so helpful. Coming from teaching in public schools previously, it was so informative to hear from not only educated psychologists and authors but also graduates of independent schools themselves. My biggest takeaway was understanding the most common fears of both parents and teachers and how to build a bridge to mutual understanding. I loved the practical application exercises encouraging teachers to actively listen, ask intentional questions; let parents know how deeply you know their child; and to be honest, concise, and straight forward. My partner teacher and I have already applied these communication tips as we work with families to achieve the common goal of helping their students thrive! I am grateful for the opportunity Beauvoir provided us with to benefit from their expertise and will carry what I’ve learned into future relationships with my students and families at Beauvoir.

Note: Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D, and Robert Evans, Ed.D, are co-authors of Hopes and Fears: Working with Today’s Independent School Parents (NAIS, 2021). During a two-day visit to Beauvoir, they held four workshops for the administration, faculty and staff, trustees, and parents.