FHSD Unpacked: Commitment to Staff Development
FHSD Unpacked is a monthly deep dive into important topics, programs and priorities across Forest Hills School District. This month, we’re highlighting staff professional development—a key part of how FHSD continues to grow and improve.
Ongoing learning for our staff is essential to ensuring students receive high-quality instruction and support. By investing in professional development, we continue to refine our practices, explore new strategies and strengthen the ways we educate and serve every student.
Transform Tomorrow: Prioritizing Growth
Professional development at FHSD is grounded in our Culture Blueprint value of Growth, which emphasizes continuous learning for all.
Our staff actively seek and value feedback, engaging with colleagues, students and leaders to strengthen their practice and better understand how to meet student needs. They take time to reflect and take action, using both successes and challenges as opportunities to improve and set meaningful goals.
Equally important, our educators are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones—trying new approaches, exploring innovative ideas and embracing challenges that lead to growth. Whether someone is in their first year or their thirtieth, learning remains a continuous journey.
Why do we prioritize this work? To create a better today for our students.
A Consistent Commitment
Professional development is not a one-time event—it is an ongoing commitment.
Each year, FHSD teachers participate in at least seven dedicated professional development days, in addition to scheduled work days that provide time for lesson planning, collaboration and preparation. These opportunities ensure staff are equipped with the tools, knowledge and resources needed to support student success throughout the year.
Learning in Action
Professional learning in FHSD is dynamic, collaborative and impactful.
During a recent districtwide professional development day, staff engaged in a full day of learning that included student voices, a keynote speaker, staff-led sessions and insights from outside experts. Opportunities like these highlight the passion our educators bring to their work and their commitment to continuous improvement.
At the start of each school year, our annual convocation brings all staff together to build momentum, celebrate our shared purpose and prepare for the year ahead.
We also prioritize strong beginnings through new teacher and staff orientations, ensuring those joining FHSD feel welcomed, prepared and equipped to meet the needs of students from day one.
Importantly, professional development extends beyond the classroom. All staff members—including custodial teams, bus drivers, food service staff and support personnel—participate in ongoing training to ensure a safe, supportive and high-functioning learning environment for students.
Rooted in Strategy
Our approach to professional development is directly aligned with the FHSD Strategic Plan, ensuring that staff learning translates into meaningful outcomes for students.
- We develop strong adult learners through coaching, collaboration and feedback, helping staff continuously refine their practice (Strategy 1).
- We provide training on innovative tools and strategies, including STEM-focused learning, to enhance instruction and promote critical thinking (Strategy 2).
- We prioritize wellness and safety, offering professional development that supports student and staff well-being, as well as effective crisis response (Strategy 3).
By aligning professional development with our strategic priorities, we ensure that every learning opportunity for staff ultimately supports improved experiences and outcomes for students.
