A Look Inside Professional Development.........I often wonder if parents are ever thinking what teachers actually do on their professional development days, or, if they just assume they are in meetings all day long? Today, I had the opportunity of attending parts of different two professional development workshops that some of my teachers also attended. The elementary teachers were focused on learning more about the new Common Core Standards for Mathematics and the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Much of this may sound like gibberish to many people, but as elementary teachers, it is important for all of us to stay current and updated on the new curriculum frameworks and how it effects what and HOW we teach the students that are in front of us on a daily basis.

Not only does professional development give us the the opportunity to be informed about new curriculum topics, it also gives staff an opportunity to collaborate, communicate, and gather with colleagues from other schools, grades, and disciplines. I had the opportunity to work with some teachers today from some of the other elementary schools, but also teachers from other grades, special education and ESL departments. These days provide some additional time that isn't always available for teachers to talk about teaching, learning, curriculum, and instruction---something that isn't always found during a regular school day or week.

Any time we can provide for our teachers to concentrate on the heart of their jobs--teaching kids, we are in a great place!!