Professional Development
...a vital component of quality education and positive learning experiences for students...
Yellowknife Education District No.1 provides opportunities for staff to participate in professional development (PD). When educators spend time on PD they are better able to keep up-to-date with current research and investigate new strategies and content - which all translates into effective learning opportunities for students.
Teachers and paraprofessional staff attend five District PD days throughout the year with the goal of supporting effective programming for students. Sessions of general interest planned by District Administration align with the Board's Strategic Plan and focus on identified areas of need. During these PD days while teachers work to further develop their skills and expertise, students do not attend school.
In addition, each school staff meets five afternoons throughout the year to work on specific PD related to their individual School Improvement Plan. On these 'SIP Days' schools are closed for the afternoon. This work-time gives the school team a chance to address issues and plan for improvement for the sole purpose of improving learning experiences for students.
Teachers and paraprofessional staff may also apply to attend conferences held elsewhere. Those held by international bodies such as the International Reading Association, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Science Council, the Bureau of Educational Research, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Learning Disabilities Council and others provide a chance for YK1 educators to gather in-depth information and current research-based strategies and techniques. In addition, staff members have the opportunity to learn with other teachers from across Canada and beyond, share ideas and information and build a support network.
Through funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Education, Culture and Employment, individual teachers may also form Learning Communities – a powerful model of PD based on common interest and collaboration.
A Learning Community consists of a small group of staff members who meet regularly throughout the year to refine their teaching practice in a particular area such as writing, reading or math. They select a professional resource to guide their learning, then read it, and come together to discuss and review the material. These teachers then try out new strategies and activities in their classrooms, and continue to meet and support one another as they implement new practices.
YK1 - committed to professional development and quality education
Check YK1's District School Calendar for scheduled PD dates and times
