With the ratification of the CBA in September, the Professional Growth and Educator Support system was created. PGES creates a multi-faceted system of educator support in SPS with three main pillars: foundational coursework, peer assistance and review and building-based support.
Foundational coursework is a series of coursework that draws from The Skillful Teacher, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, and the Danielson Framework. New-to-profession teachers will participate in foundational coursework as part of their induction work; advanced coursework will be available to second year and veteran teachers starting in the 2019-2020 school year.
As part of our induction process, new to profession teachers will engage in peer assistance and review (PAR). They will receive a consulting teacher (CT) to support their transition to teaching. The CT will also assesses readiness to exit support. A PAR Panel of 8 teachers and 8 principals will make high stakes decisions on the peer assistance and review process. They will make recommendations for support or non-renewal to the superintendent as appropriate. Previously these recommendations were only made by HR with input from principals.
Lastly, building-based support is a combination of school-based induction, career ladder teachers and other resources and supports that serve teachers at the building level.
More information on this system will be communicated as it is implemented this year.