Professional development to resume at Peabody schools this week

PEABODY-Assistant Superintendent Joe Mastrocola says Peabody Public Schools will begin cycle 2 of professional development opportunities by the end of this week.The first round took place last fall, and Mastrocola said the turnout was outstanding and surpassed their expectations.?We had 175 people participate in the program,” he said. “We have that number (enrolled) now and the deadline?s just a few days away. We?ll definitely exceed that in cycle 2.”Teachers have until Friday to sign up for more than a dozen free workshops taught by specialists. Each course is designed to help participants grow as teachers, individuals and professionals.?We do an informal survey to find what the need is in our schools in regards to teacher development,” Mastrocola said. “Then our Professional Development Committee (consisting of teacher volunteers) reviews all proposals and seeks out opinions, thoughts and reflections from colleagues on what is valuable to be offered.”The focal point of each session follows along with the overall goal for student achievement. Courses in the second cycle include how to teach writing through writers? workshop, using MCAS data to identify areas that need improvement, integrating math and art and creating educational games. And, with the recent case of a student collapsing during school, a CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) course was arranged.?I think the quality of courses we have pulled together are noted by our staff,” Mastrocola said. “They realize these are things that will help them.”As a sort of incentive, each course is offered as in-service credits, meaning teachers who complete a 12-hour course will accumulate points toward potential salary lane changes. They can also use this training as part of their professional development plan when it comes time for recertification.?It really opens up an opportunity for them to see different things and get involved,” Mastrocola said, adding that the key component is teacher collaboration to discover new classroom strategies.This cycle will run until April. Mastrocola said the committee is currently in the process of developing a summer course offering that would involve more graduate-based classes.?We?d in essence offer graduate-based classes here in the district instead of having to take the course onsite,” he said. Details on the summer program have not yet been set in stone.