Posted September 23, 2011

Teacher collaboration has long been hailed as one of the most effective ways to improve student achievement.

However, with greater emphasis being placed on teaching standards due to the new Common Core Standards and the Annual Professional Performance Plan, North Colonie has enhanced its staff development program to help ensure that teachers are ready for the new challenges they will face.

The district received direct feedback from teachers at a workshop day in March of 2011 on different ways to help improve professional development. Teachers wanted an effective way to share their talents, interests, and passions with their colleagues while all together continuing to grow professionally.

"We recognize that all staff, teachers, and administrators are part of an interdependent learning community working together in order to provide a high-quality, relevant, equitable education for all students," Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Kathy Skeals said. "It's our responsibility as a district to provide opportunities to explore, question, and debate in order to integrate new ideas into classroom practice."

The district's staff development committee works to create flexible, varied, and responsive professional development opportunities for staff, teachers and administrators at all stages of their careers.

"The committee offers staff, teachers and administrators opportunities to enrich their professional practice through traditional courses, on-line tutorials, critical reflection groups and more," Skeals said. "The goal is to offer a range of opportunities in a variety formats, while continuing to explore other ways to deliver professional development."

One of those "other ways" that came from the workshop was an idea to expand the professional experience beyond the walls of the district. In partnership with South Colonie Schools, the Colonie Teachers’ Institute was formed. The main goal of this venture is to create a collaborative conversation about issues that deeply affect teachers as professionals.

"The Colonie Teachers’ Institute is designed for educators who are interested in directing their professional development and working with others to capitalize on mutual interests in order to create a more rewarding learning environment for students and adults," Skeals said.

A cohort of 12-15 North Colonie teachers will gather together and meet with the South Colonie cohort for an initial meeting later this month. Both groups will meet montly to inquire into their question of practice and will come together quarterly to share and discuss findings.

"If we want to build upon our passions and our interests as they relate to classroom practice, then this is our opportunity," Skeals said. "We want to investigate how to help all students become collaborative problem-solvers.  This is the opportunity for us to transform 21st century skills from a slogan to a reality."

While this newly developed professional development model is in its infancy, it has been well received by teachers throughout the district. On Opening Day, Ms. Skeals detailed the new plan to faculty members and was greeted by a loud ovation of support.

"Our teachers want the time to explore the areas that will help make North Colonie students better tomorrow than they are today," she said. "This plan is one of the means to maintain and sustain our source of inspiration."