Professional development is an integrated and integral part of the DC Prep experience, and occurs in many forms.
Every teacher receives targeted support and coaching grounded in their values and aspirations, in alignment with the school goals and our collective vision for an excellent classroom. Coaches observe teachers across settings, review student work and data with the teacher they coach, and work to ensure a continuous cycle of conversation, reflection, and improved instructional ability. This individual development, as well as grade level and content area teamwork in a departmentalized setting*, make DC Prep a rich and vibrant learning environment for adults and students alike. We strive to be classrooms steeped in Universal Design for Learning to provide access for all students, and our development seeks to build our capacity to teach in inclusive ways that support all students in becoming their own expert learners and in building their own personal learning backpacks.
Every week on Wednesday afternoons, professional development sessions led by DC Prep’s instructional and campus-based leaders provide forums for modeling best practices, analyzing data, reviewing student work, and tailoring instructional practice to address areas of need. Professional development focuses on all areas of our Wellness Wheel: Positive School Culture, Social Emotional Learning, Academic Learning, Family Partnership and Adult Wellness. In addition, quarterly Data Days allow teachers and school leaders to use assessment results to develop re-teach plans and hone methods to increase student achievement. Each DC Prep teacher receives 300+ hours of professional development each year.
We are committed to expanding the intensive professional development that has been a cornerstone of the DC Prep model to not only ensure success in current positions, but to prepare teachers and leaders for positions of increased responsibility as DC Prep expands. We are building a pipeline of exceptional leaders with the training, skills, and experience to implement the DC Prep model with fidelity and success as we strive to serve our students to meet their greatest potential.
Click here for a PDF overview of DC Prep’s Adult Beliefs for our community of staff.
*DC Prep is departmentalized in 3rd through 8th grade only.
At DC Prep, we know that good talent needs to be celebrated and well-compensated. Read below to learn more details about our compensation and benefits.