Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Teaching Career Pathways: Leading Professional Development « InterACT

Teaching Career Pathways: Leading Professional Development « InterACT:


Teaching Career Pathways: Leading Professional Development

Note: in October 2012, Accomplished California Teachers will release the policy report “Promoting Quality Teaching: New Approaches to Compensation and Career Pathways.”  The following post is the first in a series of profiles showing how California teacher leaders are beginning to develop and follow diversified career pathways.  California teachers, and our peers around the nation, are looking for opportunities to innovate and lead in our field, but without having to leave the classroom.  Our argument is that educational leadership will improve the more its carried out by those still in the classroom, and that students will benefit from having more accomplished educators remaining the in classroom rather than taking on entirely non-teaching positions.  
This profile looks at the new approach to professional development and teacher leadership in San Mateo Union High School District.  ACT would like to thank Superintendent Scott Laurence, former Associate Superintendent Matt Biggar, and Professional Development Coordinator Genevieve Schwartz Thurtle for their assistance.
SMUHSD meetingTeacher leaders reviewing and planning professional development at San Mateo Union High School District (May 2012; photo by the author)
It’s a Friday afternoon near the end of the school year – not anyone’s typical idea of the perfect time to do important work in education.  But in a conference room in the central office of the San Mateo Union High Scho