100% of elementary teachers rate professional development positively
Every year, YES Prep dedicates two full days of district led professional development to engage deeply in the incredibly successful YES Prep elementary program.
Purposeful and aligned professional development matters
Lance Menster, managing director of elementary academics at YES Prep, has been leading teacher professional learning for over two decades. He brings a lens of deeply understanding curriculum and practice to the way he designs learning for teachers. Here is how YES Prep teachers spent their time together:
- Engaged in grade level and content sessions to backwards plan their first module of instruction
- Learned what is new about the content and resources available for 2023 – 2024
- Processed and practiced lessons and resources to start the new year strong
- Engaged in blended learning, special populations and school culture sessions
The alignment of the entire program led to astounding engagement from our dedicated teachers.
Teachers react to professional development at YES Prep
YES Prep teachers were asked for feedback after every professional development session. YES Prep values all insight so that we can improve our talent offerings.
Teacher reactions ranged from shouting out content leadership and noting small things that make a big difference.
“Angelle Bentley did an amazing job facilitating how to use interactive notebooks for science and map out how to plan for a lesson using the 5 E’s!” – YES Prep North Central Elementary Teacher
“It was helpful to learn what calming centers are for and how to introduce expectations to students.” – YES Prep Southside Elementary Teacher
“Thank you for all the ideas and real scenario examples. – YES Prep North Forest Elementary Teacher
At the end of the two days, 96% of teachers shared they felt confident in their ability to implement the tools and strategies shared.
The YES Prep elementary model is fueled by great teachers
The best professional development available is only as strong as the teachers using their knowledge and skills to improve teaching and learning. While across the country teachers react to poorly-planned and misaligned professional development, at YES Prep, 100% of elementary teachers rated their learning opportunities as effective or highly effective.
At YES Prep, college readiness starts with PreK and to make this vision come to life for our students, we will continue to invest in the time and resources to support our teaching force. They are the most proximate and influential individuals for our SPARKS.