|
|
|
|
 |
Ask the Superintendent - March 8, 2006
When we think of schools, the image created is of
young children or young adults going to a “place” to
learn. This instruction must be multi-dimensional to
ensure that schools encourage learning and the
development of skills on a variety of levels. If one
would apply a dictionary definition of a school, it
would be: an institution for the teaching of
children or an organization that provides
instruction. It is the second part of this
definition I would like to reference, for I firmly
believe “at school it is everyone’s job to learn.”
Two central themes of the college classes I teach
are we all must be lifelong learners and once a
college degree is conferred, learning doesn’t cease.
True to that philosophy, all administrators must be
instructional leaders. Although teachers come to us
very well prepared, they must continue to pursue the
honing of their professional craft. To that end,
Goshen and many other schools actively engage their
personnel in a variety of academic endeavors.
Our students will be shortchanged if our teachers
come to us and do not continue to improve, or if our
veteran teachers do not continue to grow. The
primary purpose of the District’s staff development
initiative is to ensure high levels of learning for
all students through improved professional
experiences for every school employee who affects
student learning.
Goshen offers a wide selection of professional
development opportunities in the district and
supports attendance at selected conferences. Some of
the opportunities for professional growth are:
• Mentoring for new teachers by senior staff members
• After school courses for teachers taught by
administrators or veteran teachers
• Training for teaching assistants and aides taught
by administrators or other faculty members
• Professional consultants who provide turnkey
training
• Multiple training and staff sessions at O/U BOCES
• Approved professional conferences out of district
Academic success cannot be achieved if other
components of the school district are
excluded from the training process. Therefore,
professional development in the Goshen School
District does not stop with educators. Our support
staff of clerical, transportation and maintenance
personnel are also encouraged to advance their
skills as well.
Simply stated, a school is a place for all to learn.
We must be vigilant in our efforts to provide a wide
variety of in-service training, course work, and
mentoring for our employees. The emphasis the
District places on this professional development
ultimately translates into improved student success.
Roy Reese
Superintendent of Schools
|
|
|
|
