By DAVID BARTLETT

Principal, Pettingill School

Professional development for teachers is a critical element in school improvement efforts, with full-staff and on-site activities providing the most relevant and effective outcomes. Pettingill teachers participated in two multi-day workshops this summer based at the school.

In June, kindergarten through grade three staff spent three days reflecting on the second year of a program that provides intensive help to students reading below grade level. The program model relies on Bates College work-study students who are specifically trained by Pettingill staff to work with individual students in ways that strengthen basic and essential reading skills. Teachers also discussed the importance of phonemic awareness with Literacy Consultant Candace Bray.

During the last week of July, teachers and support staff worked with Bonnie Reidman and Betsy Enright from the University of Maine’s Center for Community Inclusion. Last year, Pettingill School embarked on a pilot year of providing special education services within regular education classrooms rather than pulling students out of classes for help. Successful inclusion programs enhance learning for every student and promote a culture of collaborative teaching. The summer workshop gave educators an opportunity to reflect on the first year’s successes and challenges. The Center for Community Inclusion is assisting Pettingill School with short- and long-term goal setting and planning for future professional development. One thing identified during the summer work was the importance of providing training in the area of differentiated instruction.

On-site professional development during the summer months gives educators time to study professional trends and research. Comprehensive training builds teaching teams and improves student learning.