To the Editor,
Sometimes school is in session for teachers but not for students.
On those days, family routines and childcare plans change. Even though students are not in school, teachers are working – developing their skills to enhance student learning. Those days are devoted to professional development, or PD.
Topics for PD come from the classroom experience of learning and teaching.
Teachers decide individually and together the issues to address. They work with their colleagues at their school, attend workshops and occasionally travel to conferences around the province.
PD days are held throughout the year so that teachers can reflect on, and deal with, the emerging issues facing schools.
For the teachers in the Nanaimo school district, plans for PD days are well underway.
These plans are designed to enhance our teaching and take new skills and knowledge back to the classroom for the benefit of students.
Teachers have a long history of working with parents to support their children’s learning. We know that when parents and teachers work together, they make a difference in the lives of children.
Jan Thorsen
PD chairwoman
Nanaimo District Teachers Association