Teacher Only Day – Monday, 27th May

On Monday the King’s Teaching Staff participated in a Teacher Only Day (TOD) alongside teachers in Otago. It was a great chance for teachers to meet with each other in their subject areas to discuss the new Level 1 courses, share ideas, resources, providing some fantastic professional development. These Teacher Only Days are extremely valuable in making sure we are prepared to give our boys great educational outcomes. Some of the key reasons we will have these days each year are:

1. Professional Development: These days provide opportunities for teachers to engage in professional learning and development. This can include workshops, training sessions, and seminars that focus on new teaching strategies, curriculum updates, classroom management techniques, and the latest educational research which is crucial for teachers to stay current with best practices and educational innovations.
2. Curriculum Development and Assessment (like Mondays TOD): Teachers can use this time to develop or revise curriculum materials and assessments, especially regarding the new NCEA Level 1. They can analyse student data to inform instruction, adjust teaching methods based on student needs, and develop new instructional materials that align with learning objectives and standards.
3. Reflective Practice: These days provide a valuable opportunity for teachers to reflect on their teaching practices. Reflection is an essential part of professional growth, allowing teachers to evaluate what is working well in their classrooms, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for their professional development.
4. Implementation of New Initiatives: Schools often introduce new programmes, technologies, or policies that require training and preparation. Teacher Only Days provide the necessary time for teachers to learn about and implement these new initiatives effectively.
5. School Improvement: These days contribute to overall school improvement by ensuring that all teachers are on the same page regarding school goals, policies, and procedures. They provide a forum for discussing school-wide issues and developing strategies to address them.

These Teacher Only Days are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the quality of education here at King’s. They allow teachers to engage in professional growth, collaborate with colleagues, develop and refine instructional practices, all of which contribute to a more effective and supportive teaching and learning environment for all our boys here at King’s.