Annual Report 2017–2018 | Page 27

Crofton House School 25 DEDICATING TIME TO THRIVE Professional development at Crofton House School Crofton House teachers are dedicated been essential. “The goal is being able and then channel those peer insights professionals committed to making to open up about how you’re doing in into a second process of reflection. a positive impact in each girl’s life. order to identify areas that should be This practice will extend to learners To support continuous learning and a focus going forward.” next year, with teachers reflecting on feedback from students. growth, the new Crofton House Teacher Professional Growth Plan The TPGP also includes becoming (TPGP) empowers teachers through an inquiry practitioner on behalf of In addition to supporting our teachers’ an annual process of self, peer and students. Using an evidence-based growth across a variety of stages in learner evaluation. The 2017-2018 approach to learning and teaching their careers, the TPGP is a way to school year marked the first or “draft” called the Spiral of Inquiry, each carve out time for sitting down and educator is prompted to ask what is having structured conversations to year of the program. going on for learners, how to know guide growth and development for Self-assessment begins at the start of that to be true, what can be done the benefit of the teacher, student and the year, when teachers reflect on a series to improve learning, what impact entire learning community. of statements under three facets of the that could have, how it could be Crofton House professional practice: implemented, and how to measure teacher as educator, teacher as learner the difference it is making. and teacher as community member. Teachers organize their reflection in a “If students are going to thrive as document that answers three questions: learners, teachers need to embrace What’s going well for you? What area(s) that learning focus as well. When are you finding to be tricky? What would teachers are engaged in this type of learning and growth it will have you like to do differently? positive outcomes for our students” This document is shared with his/her says Susan Hutchison, Director of instructional leader who contributes the Junior School. to the assessment. A conversation then follows to create next steps to The TPGP program also places support and inspire growth. Lois an emphasis on receiving and Rowe, Deputy Head and Director of assimilating feedback. Teachers are the Senior School, says that creating a required to observe and be observed safe space for these conversations has by a colleague at least once a year, What’s going well for you? What areas are you finding to be tricky? What would you like to do differently?