Reflecting on Our May 16th Pro-D Day

I'm pleased to have this opportunity to share some highlights from our May 16, 2025, Professional Development (Pro-D) Day, where the Curriculum Department supported educators with their learning across the District. The day featured engaging, practical sessions that motivated teachers and invigorated presenters.  There was strong attendance and positive feedback throughout all sessions.

A highlight was our D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Session for language teachers at Chief Dan George Middle School hosted by Natalie de Wit and Tracy Finch. This session offered educators time for professional reading, reflection, and discussion on evidence-based literacy instruction. Teachers explored strategies for multilingual learners, equity through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and literacy using mentor texts. Each participant chose a ProD book from a curated list, received a bookmark, and had some focused time for reading and reflection. Feedback was positive, with suggestions for future sessions, including bringing personal professional books, using youth literature for planning, and hosting numeracy or literacy-focused D.E.A.R. days. Teachers appreciated the dedicated time to connect and learn, requesting more such opportunities.

Other sessions were equally well-received. Nelly Fargeon's Year-End Fun with AI engaged teachers, administrators, and educational assistants with AI tools for year-end tasks and summer planning, earning praise for its practical, creative approach. The Instructional Leadership Network Meeting, led by Ashlyen Singh, brought secondary leaders together to plan instructional support for 2025-2026, with participants valuing the collaborative focus. Amy Baker and Sara Strocel's Exploring Morpheme Magic workshop for Grades 4-8 teachers introduced engaging strategies for teaching word parts, boosting vocabulary and comprehension. Tawnie Hildebrandt's Assessing Fact Fluency & Deciding on Next Steps provided Grades 2-8 teachers with a new math assessment and strategies for building fluency. Participants appreciated learning new strategies that can help build fluency and automaticity for students. Bharwat Nanuwa's Tech Tools to Empower English Language Learners showcased tools like Microsoft Translator and Microsoft Lens, helping ELL and classroom teachers support real-time translation, language development, and independence.  Educators who attended this session appreciated the immediate applicability of these resources.

Thank you to everyone who participated and made this Pro-D Day a success!  

Tracy Krys 
Director of Instruction - Curriculum