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Professional Learning

At the School District of Springfield Township, professional learning helps us turn our vision for teaching and learning into everyday practice.

Just as students learn and grow, educators need opportunities to learn, reflect, collaborate, and improve their skills. Professional learning helps teachers and staff strengthen their practice, work together, and better support student success.

By learning together, we build a stronger school community and increase our impact on student achievement.

Professional Learning in Action

Professional learning takes place throughout the year in many different ways, including:

  • FLEX/Exchange Days
  • District In-Service Days
  • Instructional Coaching
  • Professional Learning for Paraprofessionals and Support Staff
  • Faculty Meetings
  • Department Meetings
  • Grade-Level Team Meetings

Together, these opportunities help educators learn, collaborate, and grow.

Flexible Professional Learning (FLEX)

The FLEX model provides educators with personalized learning opportunities that connect directly to their work.

Professional staff complete 33 hours of professional learning each year, including:

  • Required compliance training
  • Self-selected learning opportunities
  • Job-specific professional learning

These hours may be completed throughout the year and can be exchanged for designated FLEX days built into the school calendar.

District In-Service Days

District In-Service Days provide dedicated time for educators to:

  • Learn together
  • Collaborate across schools and departments
  • Explore instructional practices
  • Focus on student learning and district priorities

Instructional Coaching

Instructional coaching provides personalized support for educators and is separate from the evaluation process.

Coaches work alongside teachers to:

  • Reflect on instructional practices
  • Co-plan lessons and assessments
  • Explore new teaching strategies
  • Analyze student learning data
  • Support diverse learners
  • Connect professional learning to classroom practice

Professional Learning for Paraprofessionals & Support Staff

Paraprofessionals and support staff play an important role in student success.

Throughout the year, they participate in:

  • Required annual training
  • Job-specific learning opportunities
  • Professional development designed to support student needs

Special education paraprofessionals are required by Pennsylvania to complete at least 20 hours of professional learning each year related to their responsibilities.

Faculty Meetings

Faculty meetings provide opportunities for educators to:

  • Learn together
  • Discuss instructional practices
  • Focus on student achievement
  • Support district goals and initiatives

Department & Grade-Level Meetings

Department and grade-level meetings allow teachers to collaborate regularly by:

  • Aligning instruction
  • Reviewing student progress
  • Sharing successful practices
  • Solving challenges together

These meetings help create consistent learning experiences for students and strengthen collaboration across the district.