Our teachers believe that every student can learn and must be provided with an education that meets his/her specific needs, without exception. Students dictate what and how we teach: we teach children, not curriculum. With this in mind, teachers provide individual, small group, cooperative group, and whole group class instruction in the content areas. Through intentional engagement and participation in school activities and events, teachers and students build meaningful relationships so that students succeed academically and socially.

 

The work of educating students is the responsibility of teachers and parents/guardians (the first teachers). Teachers liaise with students and families to monitor students’ progress and provide additional supports to ensure that students are successful in meeting their graduation and post-graduation goals.   

 

Our school is committed to developing teachers who improve their practice to meet students’ needs. We provide substantial, differentiated in-house professional development, as well as opportunities for PD outside of the regular school day. Observation cycles using the Danielson rubric are fair, transparent and representative of daily practice. Additionally, the administration works in a coaching capacity with teachers, providing informal, non-evaluative observations and feedback to ensure alignment of regular instruction with best practices. Teachers participate in planning meetings with other teachers to analyze student work, review information regarding classroom assessments, and plan for instruction. Teachers  also work in grade teams to determine interventions for students who are at risk of falling behind or who are performing below grade level.