Professional Development Services
Professional development in education is essential because it helps teachers and school staff continuously improve their skills, stay up-to-date with research and best practices, and respond effectively to the diverse needs of students. It supports educators in learning new instructional strategies, integrating technology, understanding social-emotional and cultural aspects of learning, and applying evidence-based practices in the classroom. By investing in professional development, schools enhance teaching quality, foster a positive school culture, and ultimately improve student learning, engagement, and success. It also empowers educators to grow in their careers and adapt to changes in education over time.
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
PBIS is a proven system schools use to build a positive learning environment. Instead of just using discipline to handle problems, PBIS focuses on preventing them by teaching clear expectations, rewarding good behavior, and offering extra help to students who need it. The goal is to help students succeed socially, emotionally, and academically by supporting their behavior in positive ways.
MTSS
MTSS, or Multi-Tiered System of Supports, is a school-wide approach designed to help all students succeed academically, socially, and behaviorally. It provides different levels of support based on student needs—starting with strong, high-quality instruction for everyone, adding extra help for those who need more support, and offering individualized, intensive interventions for students with greater challenges. By using data to identify needs early and guide decisions, MTSS ensures that every student receives the right kind of help to reach their full potential.
Restorative Practices
Restorative practice in schools is an approach that focuses on building positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and repairing harm rather than simply punishing students. The goal is to create a caring and respectful school community where everyone feels valued and responsible for their actions. When conflicts or rule-breaking occur, restorative practices encourage open conversations between students, teachers, and others involved to discuss what happened, how it affected people, and how to make things right. This approach helps strengthen trust, improve behavior, and build a more supportive school environment.
Social-Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning (SEL) within a professional development framework focuses on helping educators build the knowledge, skills, and practices needed to support students’ emotional well-being, relationships, and self-awareness. It emphasizes developing educators’ own social-emotional competencies—such as empathy, self-management, and responsible decision-making—so they can model and teach these skills effectively in the classroom. A professional development framework for SEL typically includes training, reflection, and collaboration opportunities that integrate SEL into daily instruction, school culture, and interactions with students and colleagues. The goal is to create a supportive learning environment where both educators and students can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Inclusion Models
Inclusion in educational settings means creating a learning environment where all students—regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or needs—are welcomed, valued, and given equal opportunities to participate and succeed. It involves adapting teaching methods, materials, and classroom supports so that every student can access the curriculum and engage fully with peers. Inclusion goes beyond simply placing students with disabilities or differences in general classrooms; it emphasizes collaboration, respect, and providing the right support so all students can learn together and feel a sense of belonging.
Trauma-Informed Practices
Trauma-informed schools professional development is training designed to help educators understand how trauma affects students’ learning, behavior, and overall well-being. It teaches staff to recognize signs of trauma, respond with empathy, and create safe and supportive classroom environments. This professional development emphasizes strategies that promote stability, trust, and emotional regulation, while reducing practices that might retraumatize students. The goal is to equip teachers and school staff with the knowledge and skills to support all students, especially those who have experienced adverse experiences, so they can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Parental Involvement
Professional development on increasing parental involvement in schools is training that helps educators learn strategies to engage families more effectively in their children’s education. It focuses on building strong communication, fostering trust, and creating welcoming environments that encourage parents to participate in school activities, decision-making, and learning at home. This type of professional development also covers ways to address barriers that might prevent family involvement—such as language, work schedules, or cultural differences—so schools can develop inclusive practices that strengthen partnerships between educators and families, ultimately supporting student success.
Leadership
Professional development in school leadership is training designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of educators in leadership roles, such as principals, department heads, or aspiring administrators. It focuses on areas like effective decision-making, team building, communication, strategic planning, and creating a positive school culture. This training helps leaders learn how to guide teachers, support student learning, manage resources efficiently, and implement school-wide initiatives. The goal is to equip school leaders with the tools to inspire staff, foster collaboration, and improve overall academic and social outcomes for students.