Professional Development Policy

Cambridge International Section, City Montessori School, Lucknow

City Montessori School, International Section, Lucknow Professional Development Policy
Document Type Policy
Administering Entity Dean, Cambridge School, CMS
Latest Approval / Amendment Date 1/7/2023
Last Approval / Amendment Date
Approval Authority Head QAID & Superior Principal
Indicative time of Review July 2026

Introduction

City Montessori School (CMS) recognizes the importance of professional development in enhancing the quality of education and ensuring the continuous growth and improvement of its faculty members. This Professional Development Policy aims to provide a framework for promoting and supporting the ongoing professional learning and development of teachers and staff at CMS.

Objectives

The objectives of this policy are

  1. To foster a culture of continuous professional growth and learning among all staff members.

  2. To equip teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to excel in their roles.

  3. To stay updated with the latest educational research, methodologies, and technologies.

  4. To enhance the quality of teaching and learning at CMS.

  5. To support the implementation of innovative educational practices and approaches.

  6. To ensure that the values and ethos of CMS are reflected in all professional development activities.

  7. Create an environment that encourages a posture of learning involving study, action, reflection & consultation.

Professional Development Opportunities

CMS is committed to providing a wide range of professional development opportunities for its staff members. These opportunities aim to generate knowledge and its application, and may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Workshops and seminars conducted by renowned education experts, both national and international.

  2. In-house training programmes and sessions conducted by experienced educators.

  3. Collaborative learning opportunities, such as lesson study groups, professional learning communities, and peer observation.

  4. Participation in conferences, symposia, and educational events.

  5. Membership in professional organizations and associations relevant to the field of education.

  6. Online courses, webinars, and virtual learning platforms.

  7. Action research projects and educational research collaborations that include the SDGs.

  8. Visits to other educational institutions for professional learning and exchange programs.

  9. Subscription to educational journals, publications, and digital resources.

Funding and Resources

CMS acknowledges the importance of providing adequate funding and resources to support the professional development of its staff. The school will allocate a designated budget for professional development activities, which may cover expenses such as registration fees, travel, accommodation, and resource materials. Additionally, CMS will ensure access to relevant educational resources, technology, and infrastructure required for effective professional learning.

Professional Development Calendar

CMS will maintain a professional development calendar that outlines the various training programs, workshops, and other professional learning opportunities throughout the academic year. The calendar will be communicated to all staff members in advance, allowing them to plan and prioritize their professional development activities accordingly.

Performance Appraisal and Feedback

The professional development of staff members at CMS will be closely aligned with the performance appraisal process. Regular feedback and assessment will be provided to identify areas for improvement and determine the specific professional development needs of individual teachers. The feedback process will be constructive, supportive, and aimed at fostering growth and improvement.

Support and Mentoring

CMS recognizes the importance of providing ongoing support and mentoring to its staff members. The school will establish mentoring programmes like Observation/Coaching cycle, where experienced teachers and educational leaders will mentor and guide newer or less experienced staff. The mentors will provide support, share best practices, and assist in the implementation of new strategies and methodologies.

Evaluation and Impact Assessment

CMS will conduct regular evaluations and impact assessments of its professional development initiatives to gauge their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Feedback from staff members, student outcomes, and other relevant data will be collected and analysed to inform future professional development planning.

Compliance and Implementation

All staff members at CMS are expected to actively participate in professional development activities and comply with the policies and procedures outlined in this document. The implementation and monitoring of this policy will be the responsibility of the school administration, in collaboration with the quality assurance department.

Policy Review

This Professional Development Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with the evolving needs of the school and the educational landscape. Any necessary revisions or updates will be made based on feedback, research, and best practices in the field of education.

By implementing this Professional Development Policy, City Montessori School aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and provide its teachers and staff with the necessary support and resources to excel in their professional roles, ultimately enhancing the quality of education provided to its students.