Professional Development Reflection Jenny Cernak, Assistant Head of School for Academics
Great educators should embody the principles of life-long learning. The mastery of teaching is an ongoing process of developing the knowledge and the skills needed to best support students. Our teachers remain dedicated to continuing their professional development despite the hectic nature of this school year. In many ways, the challenges of the pandemic have only reinforced the importance of reflecting on our practices, so we are better prepared to guide our students through these hectic times while moving the learning forward. All of our teachers have participated in a number of professional development opportunities throughout the year. However, I would like to highlight some of our teachers’ more current professional learning initiatives. As many of you may know, at the center of our professional learning is Mind, Brain and Education (MBE) which unites the field of neuroscience, psychology, and education. Throughout the months of January and February, Jessica Thompson(Learning Specialist), Vivienne Turner(Fourth Grade Teacher), Shawna Buckley (4th – 8th Spanish Teacher), and I have been attending the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning’s (CTTL’s) Winter Series. Teachers from around the world had the opportunity to learn from some of the leading minds in education about the most current MBE research and strategies. Topics included: -
MBE and Ed Tech: What Have We Learned About Distance, Hybrid, and On-Campus Teaching, Learning and Motivation?
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The MBE of a Learning Management System (LMS)
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At the Intersection of MBE and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
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The MBE of Project-Based Learning
Shawna Buckley Spanish Teacher Greades 4-8
Vivienne Turner Fourth Grade Teacher
Jess Thompson Learning Specialist
16 Osprey Outlook
Jenny Cernak Assistant Head of School for Academics
