This year, HSD teachers and paraeducators will benefit from professional development opportunities delivered right here in Hockinson.
October 14 is a day off for our students, but not necessarily for HSD educators. In years’ past, district staff would have to seek out professional development opportunities around the region - sometimes around the state. This year, however, HSD’s Teaching & Learning Coordinator, Jennifer Sawyer, organized on-site trainings for our teachers and paraprofessionals that not only expand their instructional repertoires, but enable them to earn clock hours to maintain their certificates.
Superintendent Steve Marshall praised Sawyer for creating these learning opportunities for staff. “Jennifer knows that in high-performing schools, learning is not exclusive to our students,” said Marshall. “For us to improve and take student learning to the next level,” he added, “our adults need to have the opportunity to reflect on current practices and develop new skill sets. Jennifer has made sure the inservice topics are relevant and taught by experts. The day is just an incredible investment in our staff and students.”
The October 14 Inservice Day includes sessions on student growth goals, effective communication strategies with students, and the Workshop model, which is a lesson structure that gives students a time to explore and engage with new content. This day embodies the all three of the HSD's Upward Together goals:
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Safe, welcoming, and positive learning environments that support high academic and behavior expectations for all
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Aligned and effective teaching practices that promote a high level of student learning and achievement.
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Everyone working together to lift Hockinson’s students and schools to new heights.