1.8 Professional Development

The principal goal of all professional development (PD) is to support boys’ learning. Crescent School is committed to providing opportunities and funding to advance the knowledge of its faculty and staff.

Professional development can include a variety of platforms, including formal learning programs, workshops, conferences and collaboration/networking with colleagues.

Professional development needs are assessed through continuous dialogue and feedback generated from classroom visits and individual/group discussions. To this end, professional growth is best when designed intentionally, through collaboratively produced goals and continuous reflection.

The following guidelines should be considered when formulating a request for professional development:

Professional development decisions are also considered in the context of the following broad categories:

As part of the annual goal-setting process, employees and Managers will meet at the beginning of each academic year to set goals and development plans. The employee and the manager will meet regularly throughout the year to review progress and assess development needs.

The focus of the goals and development conversations should be the professional growth of the employee and contributions to the School's priorities and the individual’s career development.

If the Manager supports a Professional Development (PD) activity, then the employee may submit a request through the form in the Green Room. Requests are reviewed by People and Culture and the Executive Team throughout the year. Consideration is given to the alignment with School priorities and available resources, balanced with other requests or activities. The employee will be notified after the request has been reviewed, and if it is approved, what the next steps they may start to take or how to register for the PD activity.

PD Requests should include any form of development activity including internal (on-the-job) or external providers with and without costs. Please note that the School may or may not cover all costs associated with external PD, such as conference fees, travel costs or materials. Coverage can be requested for Faculty peer-to-peer on-the-job PD.

The budgeting and overall management of Crescent School’s Professional Development process is led by the Chief People Officer, People and Culture. All final decisions rest with the Headmaster.