Professional Learning
Professional Learning is a commitment to continuous improvement and lifelong learning. Peter Senge defines a learning organization as a dynamical system that is in a state of continuous adaptation and improvement where "people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning to see the whole together" (1990).
Eastchester encourages a structured and varied approach to professional learning through collegial collaboration, workshops, webinars and many other formats to improve the learning environment for all students. The information below highlights ways in which staff is engaged in professional learning throughout the District to continually improve our practice.
Professional Learning Plan
The District's professional development plan, developed by a committee of teachers and administrators, is designed to offer many opportunities for learning that are aligned with District goals and initiatives. The mission and vision, structures for learning, and overview of department and building goals can be viewed in our Professional Learning Plan.
Teacher and Administrator Evaluation
The process for teacher and administrator evaluation is an agreement between the District, the Eastchester Teachers Association and the Eastchester Administrators Association. These three groups work collaboratively to review and revise the evaluation system as needed. While many aspects of the evaluation requirements are mandated by the NYS Education Department, the District strives to create structures and systems that allow for the ongoing exchange of ideas between administrators and teachers.
Tri-State Consortium
The Eastchester School District is a member of the Tri-State Consortium. The Tri-State Consortium is a "dynamic learning organization of public school districts that values systems thinking as the foundation for continuous improvement. The Consortium assists its member districts in using quantitative and qualitative data to enhance student performance and to build a rigorous framework for planning, assessment, and systemic change. Collaborating as colleagues and critical friends, Consortium members apply the standards of the Tri-State model to benchmark member districts' progress in advancing teaching and learning."
The District has participated in hosting visitation teams from neighboring school districts to assist in the District's desire to examine several of its practices. The reports provided to the District regarding the findings of the visitation teams are linked on this page.