Professional Learning
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Teacher Leadership Opportunities in PCS
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Unlock your potential as a teacher leader in Pinellas County Schools! We're offering exciting opportunities for educators who want to make a difference without stepping into an administrative role. Whether you're passionate about leading professional learning, impacting student learning through community partnerships, or shaping the classroom experience, our leadership pathways empower you to lead from where you are. Join us in transforming our schools and inspiring excellence—your journey as a teacher leader starts here!
For more information about Teacher Leadership opportunities in Pinellas County Schools, please contact:
Karen Collier, Senior Professional Development Coordinator
727-588-6000 ext. 1909
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The Professional Learning Coordinator is a designated role at each school site (formerly the ProEd Facilitator). The teacher leader in this role will assist school leaders in overseeing and implementing school-based professional learning. Other teachers at each school site can complete the Skilled-facilitator micro-credential as a Professional Learning Champion to assist the Professional Learning Coordinator in facilitating professional learning.
New Roles and Responsibilities Include:
- Content Creator course
- Skilled-facilitator micro-credential
- Coordinate and analyze a school-based professional learning needs assessment
- Partner with administration on planning, organizing, and implementing school-based professional learning (including Strategy Walks)
- Serve on SBLT
- Monitor the quality and effectiveness of school-based professional learning via EOC surveys in PLN
- Professional Learning Champions will get the micro-credential and support the planning and implementation of school-based professional learning needs.
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What is EmpowerED U?
EmpowerED U is a comprehensive professional development program designed for teacher leaders who aspire to lead initiatives that bridge the gap between schools, families, and the wider community. This course emphasizes the critical role of collaborative partnerships in achieving school improvement goals and fostering a supportive educational environment.
Objectives
- Equip educators with the skills and strategies needed to build and sustain meaningful partnerships with families and community stakeholders.
- Align family and community engagement efforts with school improvement goals to enhance student learning outcomes through Community Impact Projects.
- Promote a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility among educators, families, and community members.
Alignment
District Strategic Plan
- Strategic Priority 4: Positive Staff Experience (Objective 10)
- Strategic Priority 5: Strong Connections and Communication (Objective 12)
Florida Educational Leadership Standards
- Standard 2 Vision and Mission
- Standard 7 Building Leadership Expertise
- Standard 8 Meaningful Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
Target Audience
Teacher leaders seeking to enhance community engagement, and those interested in contributing to school improvement through partnership building.
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Strategy Walks are non-evaluative classroom visits aimed at observing and learning from each other's use of a specific strategy. They should follow the introduction of a new strategy in professional learning sessions and result in a diverse collection of ideas for implementation. Teachers have the opportunity to “browse, borrow, and build” from one another in job-embedded professional learning.
In February 2024, Principals were surveyed about the implementation of Strategy Walks at each school. Based on the survey results, observations began to gather resources and materials to assist the implementation of Strategy Walks through the creation of a Strategy Walk Playbook.
Schools visited in Spring 2024:
- Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary
- St. Petersburg High School
- Seminole High School
- Oak Grove Middle School
- Sanderlin IB World School
- Carwise Middle School
- Osceola Middle School
- Madeira Beach Fundamental
- John. M. Sexton Elementary
Moving into the 2024-2025 school year, more schools will be implementing Strategy Walks in alignment with School Improvement Plans. Teacher leaders are encouraged to lead professional learning relating to instructional strategies observed in Strategy Walks and open their classrooms to model highly effective instructional strategies to support the growth of colleagues.
