TCS teachers welcome guest speaker on PD day

On Monday, January 9th teachers returned to TCS for a full day of faculty professional development. We welcomed guest presenter Dr. Sapna Prasad who is an expert in universal design for learning and learning disabilities and works as an outreach officer for Landmark College in Vermont. Landmark College is one of the only colleges in North America designed specifically for meeting the needs of students with learning disabilities including ADHD, dyslexia and autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Prasad discussed with faculty members how to best incorporate accommodations for all learning styles in the classroom, hence, "universal design" for all students. TCS faculty gained practical tips from Dr. Prasad about how to make course content accessible in different formats for the learning styles of different students. Her session also validated the principles of universal design that are already incorporated into TCS courses and school life. In speaking to TCS's dedicated group of education professionals, it was clear to the presenter that TCS is doing a superb job in meeting many of the different learning needs found in the classroom.

During the professional development day the TCS faculty also took part in a detailed survey and conversations about initiatives launched to date and planned for the future. Faculty members offered helpful feedback on the success of recent changes (for example, the changes made to evening study). It was a very productive professional development day having discussed key initiatives and developed plans for further improvement in the months ahead.

Click here for more photos from Monday’s faculty PD day.

- By Mr. Myke Healy, director of teaching and learning