High-quality teaching is vital for student success.  As part of the ongoing professional development planning cycle, Northbridge Public School District reviews multiple sources of data. The focus of the professional development plan is identified through the following sources of data:

  • District Strategic Plan--Establish improvement with measurable goals expressed in terms of desired outcomes and within the context of the district’s priorities.

  • Outcome of Needs Assessment--Identify and integrate professional development opportunities and activities that address the district goals outlined with the District Strategic Plan

  • Evaluation of Professional Development--Monitor effectiveness of the professional development activities through various data sources. 

  • Additional Sources--Analyze the following information in order to refine or expand the focus of the professional development plan:

    • MCAS Student Performance Data

    • DIBELS Universal Screener

    • Revisions of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks

    • Results of Professional Development Needs Assessment 

    • Input from directors and the superintendent

    • Feedback from building administration

    • Feedback from the Curriculum Coach, department chairs, and/or teacher leaders

In addition to the professional development opportunities built in to Northbridge Public Schools' calendar, teachers have additional opportunities that further support teacher’s Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP).  Within an IPDP, teachers identify in priority order areas for development and growth which is  based on the teacher’s most recent summative evaluation, work as part of a collaborative team, school/district priorities, and any other information/evidence related to the district's strategic objectives and initiatives.  A minimum of 150 PDPs is required for educator relicensure. Of the 150: 

  1. At least 90 PDPs in content/pedagogy, with no less than 60 PDPs in or related to the content area of the Educator’s Primary area; 

  2. At least 15 PDPs related to Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) or English as a Second Language (ESL); 

  3. At least 15 PDPs related to training in strategies for effective schooling for students with disabilities and the instruction of students with diverse learning styles; 

  4. The remaining required 30 PDPs may be earned through either "elective" activities that address other educational issues and topics that improve student learning, or additional content, and/or pedagogy.

Additional professional development opportunities include:

  • Workshops provided by in-district staff that occur after school 

  • Graduate Coursework

  • Curriculum development and revision

  • Conferences offered outside of the school district

  • Job embedded opportunities:  Learning Walks, peer observation, lesson study, coaching, Professional Learning Communities

  • New Teacher Orientation  

  • Mentoring/Induction Program for new teachers

  • Self‐Evaluation/Self‐Reflection 

  • Book Study

  • Educator Evaluation 

Our process for requesting professional development workshops and courses requests is now completely automated!

Once you submit the online form, your supervisor will receive your request and will review for approval.  The request will then be forwarded to the administration building for final approval and processing.  You will receive an email confirmation as your request progresses.  When completing the online form, be sure to check 'Send me a copy of my responses'  so you have a copy for your records.

All hard copies or attachments should be scanned and emailed to the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent.  This would include proof of registration, payment, etc.

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