One of the questions that I am often asked is how we at Pathways make sure that we have quality teachers. As every parent and student knows, the heart of a great school is great teachers. While excellent facilities are of course very important, allowing students many choices of activities, we all know of schools with wonderful facilities which do not provide a wonderful education. One of the major reasons is because they do not encourage teachers to grow or function as professionals.
At Pathways our teachers recognise that teaching is a profession, and that few things are as exciting as seeing our students progress, learn and develop as human beings. It is what makes our teachers gladly leave families and often their little children to supervise Adventure camps – because camps are important for true education. Or work long hours in the evening to mark essays or prepare thoughtful lesson plans.
Most importantly, our teachers are learners just as our students are. I have always believed that great schools have a curriculum for teachers not only for students. Growth and development is an ongoing process. Teachers get specially scheduled time – such as Thursday afternoons or department meetings - to collaborate and discuss together. In addition, we encourage teachers to attend workshops and share their learnings. Let me give you an indication of staff professional development over the recent past.
Workshops and Conferences
Dr Kaul from the Geography dept is currently attending an international gathering of the Association of American Geographers in Bangalore, where they will examine data processing in new and exciting ways.
The Primary School Principal Ms Lamba is at the IB Regional conference in Singapore learning about new educational developments for the primary years and interacting with teachers from across the world.
Together with the ICT Head Ms Geetanjali Dewan and Ms Sandhir, I attended a fascinating international conference in Mumbai focusing on technology in education. This will help us as we think about technology development for the school.
The Music teacher Ms Khan attended a National Council conference on a music curriculum for middle school. She interacted with renowned music experts from across the country including Professors & Head of Musicology from universities.
Shalini Advani
School Director
Mr Torrington from the Design Technology department attended a 3 Pathways Job Alike to share common understandings and plan development.
Our Administration staff is going through a training programme on efficiency and communication.
Visitors
Many of our teachers had a very productive interaction with a group of 10 teachers from the Phillips Exeter Academy in the USA. One of the most creative learning institutions in the US, their teachers talked about the Harkness Table, a student-led, discussion based approach to learning for which the school is famous.
Follow Ups
All trainings attended by some individuals are then shared with the rest of the staff. Incrementally, all teachers grow and develop even when some can attend external workshops. It enables them to focus on their role not only as teachers of a subject but as true educators, ensuring that the little ones eat their meal at lunch or that students have a friendly ear if they need help. You can see it in the enthusiasm in planning the Fair or Sports Day and in encouraging unusual challenges.
Reminder
Please remember the 23rd for Parent-Teacher meetings for middle and senior school and primary grades student led conferences.
Shalini Advani
School Director
