An innovative teacher professional development and evaluation program has been in place for a number of years that features New Teacher University, a grant-supported mentoring program, annual goal-setting, Teacher Excellence Grants and professional development opportunities for working collaboratively and/or individually on a variety of professional projects, including technology integration and curriculum enrichment. New teachers are provided mentors to assist with their transition to the District. A professional development plan provides opportunities to take advanced course work and participate in workshops and other activities. Funds are available for curriculum development projects and independent and collaborative professional study groups all year long. The New York State Education Department requires all teachers who hold a professional certificate granted on or after February 2, 2004, to successfully complete 175 hours of professional development every five years, or an average of thirty-five hours per year in order to maintain “good standing.” Typically, teachers at Blind Brook more than exceed this minimum standard every year.
This Professional Development Committee is constituted to ensure the creation of an ongoing and rigorous professional development program for all employees within district. Its goal is to create a teaching and learning community for all that benefits from access to the latest research and professional development opportunities available.
The committee is responsible for the development of the Professional Development Plan and the Annual Professional Performance Review Plan which together constitute a comprehensive and integrated plan aligned with New York State Standards and Assessments. In particular, the Committee seeks to support teachers in implementing new NYS math standards, developing greater programmatic rigor in all the academic disciplines, differentiating instruction and integrating technology. The District supports professional development by providing it through a variety of venues: workshops and conferences off site, on-site consultants, and electronically through such institutions as Teachers College, Columbia University and PBS Teacherline. In addition, in-service credit-granting Independent or Group Study Projects as well as Teacher Excellence Grants are reviewed by the Professional Development Committee during the summer and throughout the school year.
During the 2007-08 school year, the District will also serve as the LEA (local educational agency) for Teachers Center at Purchase College, thereby joining in a larger effort to provide additional opportunities for high quality, sustained professional development.
Professional Development Committee Members
2007-08
Karen Bronson – Principal – Middle School
Christine Burton – District Administration
Colin Byrne – Instructional Technology Coordinator – High School
Elizabeth Connolly -- Middle School
Trudi Davis – Federation President – Middle School
Christine Caldwell -- BMP RSS Elementary
Kerri Fischer – BMP RSS Elementary
Paula Saunders -- BMP RSS Elementary
Shannon Smith – BMBP RSS Elementary
Cathy Schaefer -- Middle School
Michele Sugantino -- High School
Tracy Taylor – Assistant Principal – BMP RSS Elementary
Cher Treacy -- Middle School
New Teacher University
2007-08
District Staff Developer – Barbara Jackson
Middle/High School Mentor Coordinator – Charlene Decker
BMP RSS Mentor Coordinator – Allyson Bal
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