EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

GIFT EXPANDS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At The Meadows School, we know that true excellence isn’t measured by a one-time win or short-lived success. That’s why it’s critical that we invest in continuing efforts to keep those that serve on this campus at the top of our field.

The Professional Development Program has been a key example of doing just that. It promotes ongoing education for our faculty and staff and rewards the hard work they put into becoming the best they can be for our students. That happens in a number of ways, from student loan forgiveness to conferences and new teacher development.

“I want The Meadows to be a place that can always attract the best teachers, administrators, and coaches,” said Daniel Hutchison, who along with his wife, Dawn, made a significant donation to the program this year. “In order to do that, there should be a number of programs run by the school and dedicated to making sure that’s the case.”

The program’s reception has been strong, helping the 25 percent of teachers who still owe student loan debt to repay a portion of it. It also addresses the 60 percent of faculty who indicate they would return to school for advanced education if it were subsidized by their employer.

Additionally, more than 30 percent of The Meadows faculty were able to attend professional conferences both nearby and as far as Spain and France. Back at home, new teachers were given opportunities to hear professional speakers and attend detailed orientations dedicated to helping them give their best to Meadows students.

With two sons at the school in 8th and 10th grades, the Hutchisons were grateful to The Meadows for remaining inperson throughout the pandemic and wanted to express that through this program.

“It was very clear that we needed to give back to the teachers and administrators who made sure the kids were still in school through the pandemic,” Daniel Hutchinson said. “The Professional Development program stood out as a great way to say thank you while contributing to The Meadows community.”

With the economic struggles that have hovered since the pandemic, the Hutchisons know it’s hard to find—and retain—good employees. Their hope is that supporting the Professional Development Program will inspire others to see the value in investing in Meadows employees and keep it going. With that goal in mind, the Hutchisons have pledged another substantial donation to the Professional Development Program for the next year.

“The focus is really to make this a permanent fixture at The Meadows,” Daniel Hutchison said. “The idea is to focus on the individuals who are making The Meadows what it is on a daily basis.”