New Teacher Mentor Program
Experienced educators who are transferring to PWCS should meet with the school's Lead Mentor to be provided with proactive support while adjusting to the division. You might be matched with an informal mentor, depending on your needs.
Educators who are teaching for the first full year will be matched with school-based teacher-mentors (formal mentors), as that is a requirement from the Virginia Department of Education.
Leadership Development
PWCS values leaders who have the skills and training to lead schools in Providing A World-Class Education that focuses on student learning and achieving high standards. In an effort to prepare our graduates to compete in the 21st-century global community, our school leaders must be knowledgeable about innovative instruction, articulate the division's mission and vision, and promote a positive school environment. PWCS leaders consistently work together to accomplish the Strategic Plan, model high expectations for teachers and students, and execute a vision so that these expectations may be realized.
In an effort to equip leaders to effectively lead staff and communities in supporting student success, PWCS developed its Leadership Academies. The academy experience provides PWCS professionals with a clear path of development and training.
Division-wide Professional Learning Plan
The Division-wide Professional Learning Plan core service will use a needs assessment and compiled division-wide data to establish and implement required training for all instructional and classified employees in the school division. This builds background knowledge and essential skills for all employees, establishes a common language, reduces training, reduces financial redundancies. This core service aligns resources and implements the PWCS Strategic Plan with fidelity.
Instructional Coaching
The Instructional Coaching Program prepares and supports teacher leaders who guide their colleagues in data analysis, best practices, and collaboration to improve student learning. More specifically, the Instructional Coaching Program addresses:
- Collaborative Learning Team (CLT) Function and Facilitation
- CLT Coaching to Build Capacity of Teams
- School-wide Professional Learning Focused on Closing Achievement Gaps
- Modeling Best Practices for Teachers
- Individual Coaching of Teachers
- Support for School Improvement Plan Development, Implementation, and Monitoring
Special Professional Learning Opportunities
Cognitive Coaching, developed by Dr. Art Costa and Dr. Robert Garmston, is a model of coaching focusing on self-directedness and the development of cognitive complexity. These seminars provide a powerful research-based approach to enhancing instructional practices, building professional capital, and providing a foundation to the communication skills, which support a continuous cycle of growth, to teachers and those occupying positions of leadership. The Professional Learning staff present the Foundations of Cognitive CoachingSM during voluntary eight-day training/seminars an average of five times a year for PWCS staff.
New Principal Mentor Program
The new principal mentor program is designed to build the leadership capacity of new principals to ensure continuous student learning. The purpose is to provide continuous guidance and non-evaluative support to help ensure the success of the new principal in Prince William County Public Schools. The objective is to promote on-going reflective practice through…
- Active listening and observing
- Growth-producing feedback
- Probing questions that encourage self-reflection and problem-solving
- Encouraging and supporting action that initiates and sustains improved teaching and learning
- Coaching, collaborating, and consulting
Contact Us
Kelly Leadership Center
Suite 1300
Manassas, Virginia
703-791-8546