Professional Development

TEACHERS GUIDE TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

All WorldStrides programs are designed to enhance curriculum and instruction for educators. This document highlights the standards we follow and the high educational goals we set for our programs. Our unique approach to education is recognized through our accreditation as a supplemental school by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. We believe that, together, we make a world of difference through hands-on learning for students and teachers.

The Foundation of a WorldStrides Program

SUBJECTS	Program leaders will develop a deeper knowledge about the subjects they teach. They will be able to make connections with other subjects within the curriculum and learn new techniques for instructing students within the subject.
SKILLS	Program leaders will be responsible for managing and monitoring student learning. They will learn new tools within a new instructional setting to enhance their teaching practice. A variety of assessment techniques will be developed.
ATTITUDES	Program leaders will be encouraged to develop a holistic view of learning that respects and treats students fairly. They understand their role as models of education leadership and find ways to work with parents and engage in the community.
ACTIVITIES	Program leaders will participate in a variety of activities to incorporate into their classrooms. They will examine their own practice as they deepen their knowledge about the subject and methodology within their class.

SUBJECTS: Knowing what to teach
History	Program leaders will study key events in American and world history. They will study history from a cultural, economic, intellectual, political and social perspective.
Science	Program leaders will study biology, chemistry, physics, and ecology. They will see the connections and interrelatedness between all of these subjects.
Music & Performance	Program leaders will study theory, history, and applied music techniques for instrumental, choral, or general music. They will learn new musical scores concentrated in classical or jazz techniques.
English/Literature	Program leaders will study literature and language through various genres, such as poetry, short stories, narratives, and novels. They will integrate other subject areas into the learning.
Theater/Drama	Program leaders will study acting techniques and theater production. They will study the history behind theatrical venues and the business of producing a show.

SKILLS: Knowing how to be a teacher
Classroom Management	Program leaders will develop tools to help them manage students outside the traditional classroom setting.
Assessment	Program leaders will learn new techniques to assess the progress of individuals or whole class and gain understanding of successful methods of preparing students for subject-specific assessments.
Instructional Methodology	Program leaders will understand how students learn and develop new skills to find connections within their curriculum. They will learn to use a variety of instructional settings to meet the needs of all students.
Communication	Program leaders will work collaboratively with others in the education profession and find new ways to work with parents. They will engage in the local, national, or international community.
Inquiry	Program leaders will develop new ways to help students deepen their critical thinking capacities.

ATTITUDES: Knowing how to be a leader
Respect	Program leaders will develop respect and responsibility to students outside the classroom setting.
Reflection	Program leaders will think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
Curiosity	Program leaders will be stimulated to inquire, thus fostering the spirit of discovery and excitement in teaching.
Cooperation	Program leaders will be encouraged to understand diversity, flexibility, and sensitivity of other people and events.
Confidence	Program leaders will develop as a role model and gain a sense of independence within their educational practice.