Professional Development Spotlight: Learning from Each Other

Throughout the school year and during the summer months, MJS faculty and staff fully embrace the abundant opportunities for professional development. Whether webinar, single day conference or multi-day institute, our teachers never stop learning.

Last year under the leadership of Professional Development Coordinator Nicole Wirth, the faculty and staff began a new professional development series called 'Keep Calm and Learn Something New.' Drawing from the tenets of our Holy Child Goal 6: “Holy Child Schools promote the personal growth and development of all who participate in the life of the school,” the series focuses on growth – both personal and professional, and challenges teachers to cultivate their own growth mindset with new experiences. The series has continued this year with different classes and activities offered each month including several taught by MJS students.

In early November, the entire faculty and staff had the opportunity to expand on this theme of growth and spend a full day learning from each other. Part creative retreat - part opportunity to share ideas and knowledge, teachers led teachers in several creative and thought-provoking sessions. “Put the Art in Smart,” an arts integration workshop, demonstrated how using the arts can help with content engagement and retention in any subject. “Natural Dyeing,” offered a hands-on experience with dyeing textiles using natural pigment and “Vinyl Cut Your Way to Design-Thinking” challenged participants to master the vinyl cutter in the D-Lab and discover ways to use this tool, and others like it, to support design-thinking connections in the curriculum.

The full day of multiple sessions also included movie screenings and discussion, an architecture walking tour in Old Pasadena, practical sewing techniques, and golf fundamentals. Each session was designed to provide new experiences and foster new perspective as educators. Most importantly it was time spent together appreciating each other’s talents and interests, and continuing to bond as a strong professional community.
 
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Mayfield Junior School

Located in Pasadena, California, Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus is a K-8 Catholic coeducational private school. Our kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school experience best prepares students for high school education and beyond.