Professional Growth & Development
The Faculty Growth and Development program is to support faculty in continued learning and facilitate professional growth. Through conversations about goals and reflections about practices and pedagogy, every faculty member has the opportunity to exemplify lifelong learning and maximize learning for students.
What defines an excellent teacher? At Potomac, we talk about "the who" and "the what" of excellent teaching; that is, the personal qualities and character, and the professional knowledge and skills, that together position a teacher to have a lasting positive effect on students.
Teaching + Learning
Professional development provides teachers with renewal and growth opportunities in the art and craft of teaching and advising. Collaboration, reflection, professional development, and growth are the foundation for a strong faculty.
Many of our faculty come to Potomac with advanced degrees, but others commit to an advanced program while at Potomac. Read some of their stories.
Nick MacDonald, Upper School History Teacher
Over the summer, I was fortunate enough to complete my graduate work and earn a Master’s degree in history. Some years ago, when thinking about a graduate program to apply to, I quickly came to the conclusion that I needed flexibility: I wanted to still work full time as a teacher and to be able to study and learn while doing so.
![Greg Mueller]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1666114326/potomac/bxsixnqdfkjs5ke25xie/mueller.jpg","width":232}])
Greg Mueller, Intermediate School Science Teacher and Dean
I had contemplated pursuing a postgraduate degree on and off since 1995 when I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Science Teaching from Clemson University. Since then I have been working in the classroom and the field with students during the school year and honing my leadership skills as the director of our summer programs and robotics in summers and for extracurricular activities.
Precious Barnes, Head Athletic Trainer
While working at The Potomac School, I have had the opportunity to complete two post-graduate degrees. I have been able to broaden my skill set by focusing on topics that complement athletic health.
Curiosity + Engagement
Professional development provides teachers with renewal and growth opportunities in the art and craft of teaching and advising. Collaboration, reflection, professional development, and growth are the foundation for a strong faculty. Every year almost all our faculty and staff engage in continuing education - from summer curriculum grants to conferences to enrichment grants.
Read some of their stories.
![Tracey Jaeger in Puerto Rico]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1666296163/potomac/exbr3qlv1vvmynx3cbaj/Puertorico.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1666296163/potomac/exbr3qlv1vvmynx3cbaj/Puertorico.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1666296163/potomac/exbr3qlv1vvmynx3cbaj/Puertorico.png","width":800}])
Tracey Jeager, Upper School Spanish Teacher
Puerto Rico is one of my favorite units of study in Spanish 3. We delve into the history and culture, read chapters of Sandra Cisnero’s, “Cuando era puertorriqueña,” and consider Puerto Rico’s past and present relationship with the United States.
![Hillary Steel]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1666285340/potomac/iuwcuelg93xmtuew4qub/HSteelWeaving.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1666285340/potomac/iuwcuelg93xmtuew4qub/HSteelWeaving.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1666285340/potomac/iuwcuelg93xmtuew4qub/HSteelWeaving.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1666285340/potomac/iuwcuelg93xmtuew4qub/HSteelWeaving.jpg","width":1200}])
Hillary Steel, Intermediate School Art Teacher
In 2007 I began researching and documenting the complex process of making a jaspe rebozo. I studied under the tutelage of master weaver Don Evaristo Borboa Casas, in the small industrial town of Tenancingo, in the State of Mexico, for 10 years.
![Diana Mackenzie]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1666114393/potomac/tdl4ryjnvbvuzokwudtw/Mackenzie.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1666114393/potomac/tdl4ryjnvbvuzokwudtw/Mackenzie.webp","width":512}])
Diana Mackenzie, Lower School Art Teacher
I had an incredible experience studying the history and design of ceramic tiles in Lisbon, Portugal. I spent five days with a talented group of artists and designers from around the world.
Pathways to Leadership
Academic Council
Academic Council strengthens and aligns the student learning experience K-12. This council, comprised of faculty members from all divisions, ensures curricular coherence, maintenance, and innovation. Recognizing that curricular shifts and changes at any level in our academic program could impact the student experience, working together across divisions ensures alignment in our K-12 academic program.
Initiative for Aspiring Leaders
Started in the 2018-19 school year by Head of School John Kowalik, the Initiative for Aspiring Leaders is a two year program to provide leadership training and experience to faculty and staff interested in professional growth opportunities. The first year is a series of workshops with special guests to learn about different leadership styles and lessons, and the second year is a practicum experience where cohort members are matched with an administrator to work on a project of interest.
Life Skills Leadership Teams
Cultural Competence is one of our four Life Skills, and our commitment to teaching cultural competence extends to the curriculum. Each division has a CCC leader who is responsible for not only providing professional development, but also serving as a resource for teachers in their division.
Service Learning Leadership Team
Under the leadership of ACE Everett, director of K-12 service learning, each grade level has a faculty leader to ensure that service learning is an integrated component of our curriculum. Service learning leaders help to coordinate events both on and off campus as well as provide curricular support to their grade level and divisional colleagues.