52 Presenters, 3 Tracks, 58 Topics, 80 Sessions
A day focused on enhancing student learning.
Seaman School District hosted its own district-wide professional development day during the first semester, offering staff three specialized tracks designed to promote student success: Student Achievement, Student Engagement, and Positive Classrooms. These tracks were chosen based on results of valuable feedback gathered from staff, who expressed the desire for focused training that aligned with the district’s mission and classroom teachers’ priorities for professional development. These themes—student achievement, engagement, and positive classroom environments—are not only central to effective teaching but also critical in addressing the unique challenges educators face today.
Instructional Coaches played a vital role in both customizing the session topics and delivering high-quality instruction throughout the day. Their deep understanding of the district’s instructional goals and staff needs allowed them to tailor sessions that were relevant and impactful. By facilitating learning and sharing best practices, instructional coaches ensured that teachers, paraprofessionals, and substitutes alike left with valuable strategies and tools to enhance student achievement, engagement, and classroom environments. Their leadership and expertise were instrumental in making this professional development day a success.
In addition to Instructional Coaches, 41 other district staff led sessions in their own area of passion and expertise. The Kansas Department of Education also had two presenters in attendance.
Student Achievement
This track explores strategies to elevate academic performance across all grade levels. Teachers focused on refining curriculum delivery, assessing student progress effectively, and using data to tailor instruction. This is crucial in ensuring that every student, regardless of background or learning style, can reach their full potential.
Student Engagement
Student engagement is a cornerstone of successful learning. In this track, educators learned new techniques to capture students’ interest, sustain their participation, and encourage critical thinking. Sessions focused on integrating technology, project-based learning, and fostering a culture of curiosity in the classroom. Engaged students are more likely to retain information and apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Positive Classrooms
The importance of a safe, positive classroom atmosphere cannot be overstated. In this track, teachers explored strategies for building strong relationships with students and parents, managing behavior proactively, and creating an environment where all students feel supported. A positive classroom environment is essential for both academic and social-emotional growth, helping students feel secure and ready to learn.
These instructional practices—student achievement, student engagement, and positive classrooms—are more than just educational buzzwords. They form the foundation of a thriving school culture. By focusing on these areas, Seaman School District aims to create classrooms where students are not only academically successful but also feel valued and motivated to learn.
Superintendent Willson emphasized the importance of this professional development day, "The work we do in these areas directly impacts our students' ability to succeed. By addressing student achievement, student engagement, and positive classrooms, we are ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and teachers have the resources and support they need."
Seaman School District remains committed to continuous improvement and values the input from its staff. This professional development day is a testament to the district’s dedication to creating a positive, student-centered learning environment that supports every student in their educational journey.
As staff participate in these professional development sessions, the district anticipates that the new strategies and insights gained will be put into practice, positively impacting classrooms across the district. This PD Day is part of a broader effort to support teachers and enhance the overall learning experience for students at Seaman School District.
Paraprofessionals and substitutes were also invited to participate in the October professional learning day, after feedback from the district’s Teacher Retention Committee emphasized the importance of effective classroom support staff. Recognizing the vital role these staff members play in the success of our schools, the district made it a priority to include them in the learning experience. It is essential that all staff feel supported and equipped with the training they need to be their best for our students. By providing paraprofessionals and substitutes with the same opportunities for growth and development, the district ensures that everyone who contributes to student learning is aligned with our educational goals and instructional practices.
This professional development day is just one of many steps Seaman School District is taking to advance its goals of fostering achievement, engagement, and positivity in every classroom.
After a morning filled with learning and collaboration, teachers spent the second half of the day in their classrooms, utilizing this valuable time to catch up on tasks that are difficult to address during the busy school day. Work days like these are essential for teachers, as they provide the opportunity to plan lessons, organize materials, and focus on student data—ensuring they are fully prepared to meet the diverse needs of their students. This uninterrupted time is crucial for maintaining the high level of instruction that supports student achievement and success across the district.
In the months ahead, the district will continue to gather feedback and adjust future professional development based on the needs of the staff, so that Seaman schools remain a place where excellence in education is achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success.
A huge thank you goes out to our amazing Food Service Department for providing a staff breakfast to start the day. Their continued dedication to nourishing our students and staff plays an essential role in the success of our school community. Our talented students also opened up the student-run coffee shop during the event, offering staff a warm and caffeinated start to their professional development day. So many contributed to the success of this collaborative effort and we could not have pulled it off without everyone’s commitment to student success.