Professional Learning Teams Earn Innovation Award
Post date: Mar 13, 2012 4:40:54 PM
Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine has selected the Federation of Catholic Schools as a recipient of a Catholic Schools for Tomorrow Award for innovation with the Professional Learning Teams program. The award annually honors 12 recipients that have led the way by implementing exemplary, innovative programs to improve the teaching and learning of their students, faculty and staffs.
Professional Learning Teams (PLT) were implemented starting in the 2010-11 school year as a way to enhance academic programs at Federation schools by providing collaborative professional development opportunities. All teachers from Federation schools are members of a PLT that either focuses on a grade level or subject area (i.e. kindergarten teachers, science, math, religion teachers, etc.). One teacher from each group serves as the Team Leader to help facilitate discussion and set the group’s agenda. Jennifer Stutsman, principal at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, has provided leadership and direction to the 150 teachers who participate. “It has been a great success!” said Stutsman. “Teachers went beyond the original meetings to create wikis, develop writing programs between students of different schools, develop a common pre-school curriculum, create a Summer Academy for students with academic needs, and more. Coming together through learning teams has improved the teaching and learning process!”
A group of principals, teachers and pastors will travel to Boston for the National Catholic Education Association convention in April to receive the award on behalf of the Federation.
Download the full article from Today's Catholic Teacher PDF below.
