No Time or Money for PD? This Superintendent Shares Some Creative Solutions
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Brett Geithman, Superintendent of Larkspur-Corte Madera School District in California, as they explore how intentional leadership and innovative professional development are shaping a model for student and staff success. This insightful conversation delves into Dr. Geithman’s commitment to personalized learning through inquiry-based instruction, such as Cognitively Guided Instruction in math and structured literacy, and his district’s multi-layered approach to professional development
Key Takeaways:
- Community-Funded Stability: Larkspur-Corte Madera is a community-funded “basic aid” district, allowing greater focus on instructional quality rather than enrollment pressures.
- Leadership Pipeline: The “Leaders From Within” program develops both classified and certificated staff for leadership roles, benefiting the district and the wider region.
- Gradual Release Model: The district partners with outside experts (like UCLA for Cognitively Guided Instruction in math), but intentionally builds internal teacher leaders to sustain and personalize professional development.
- Four-Layer PD Framework:
- District-wide foundational knowledge
- Site-specific PD tailored to each school
- Grade-level/department PD for subject/age needs
- Individualized coaching for teachers
- Personalized Support: PD is differentiated by teachers’ experience and needs, with ongoing coaching and lesson study models to embed new practices.
- Strategic Alignment: All PD and instructional initiatives are closely linked to the district’s strategic vision, with careful planning and timing to maintain momentum.
- Collaborative Culture: The district values risk-taking, collaboration, and reflection, and leverages strong community partnerships to support academic and social-emotional growth.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Overcoming PD Challenges
00:47 Meet Dr. Brett Geman: A Leader in Personalized Learning
01:28 District Overview: Larksburg Jte Madera School District
03:34 Leadership Development: Building the Next Generation
08:30 Four Layers of Effective PD
12:36 Strategic Planning for PD Implementation
23:54 Funding Professional Development: Time and Money Solutions
36:58 Brett Geman's Leadership Journey
42:28 Final Thoughts
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Dr. Brett Geithman: lcmschools.org/Page/2360
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda
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