As part of the district’s effort to build an effective support system for teachers, Dallas ISD is teaming up with the Southern Methodist University Simmons School of Education to provide three targeted professional development academies for teachers this summer.
Approximately 150 Dallas ISD teachers will attend the development academies being held at SMU July 20–Aug. 6, with follow-up sessions during the 2015-16 school year. The teachers attending the development academies, which will be led by SMU professors, were nominated by their principals and approved by a selection committee.
The academies at SMU will support specific teacher needs under the Teacher Excellence Initiative, the district’s effort to identify, support, and reward effective teachers. Specifically, the academies will focus on promoting teacher excellence, advancing teacher excellence, and achieving excellence. Fifty teachers will attend each academy.
Teaching and Learning Director Danielle Hernandez said the academies with SMU are one of many ways in which the district is supporting its teachers.
“With the implementation of Dallas ISD’s rigorous evaluation system for educators, truly differentiated professional development at a district level is increasingly important,” Hernandez said. “Partnering this summer with SMU provides teachers a time to completely devote to attending courses in which they can step into new leadership roles, grow and develop.”
Hernandez added that the district is looking to continue to build both university and expert partnerships in the future to support teachers.
For more information about the academies with the SMU Simmons School of Education, click here.
Are you a Dallas ISD teacher? Visit the professional development online catalog to access more opportunities.
