Professional Development Plan

The American International School/Dhaka believes that professional development is an ongoing process that should consider all aspects of faculty development and reinforce the school programs that supervise and evaluate the faculty and administration.

There shall be an established Professional Development Committee (PDC) that will work to allocate funds and plan for professional growth at AIS/D. This committee shall be comprised of eight members who will act in an advisory capacity in developing a professional growth plan for the short and long-term.

The Professional Development Committee exists at AIS/D and includes the following individuals:

The Superintendent
Three Principals
Two NESA Faculty Representatives
The Director of Curriculum and Instruction
IB/ AP Coordinator

These individuals meet on a periodic basis and formulate an overall plan that supports the faculty in terms of school sponsored professional growth. The components listed below are addressed in the annual plan.

Pre-Service Orientation

All new teachers, both overseas and local hires, are required to attend the beginning of the school year orientation prior to the reporting date for returning staff. Returning faculty and staff will join the new hires for orientation on the dates indicated in the adopted school calendar.

Staff Meetings

One afternoon of each week (Tuesday), time is set aside for faculty, grade level and department meetings. No extra-curricular or student activities are to be scheduled during that time. Every staff member is expected to participate in whatever staff development activity is scheduled.

Staff Development Days - Early Dismissal Days

The school calendar contains ten staff development opportunities spread throughout the year following a full day or an Early Dismissal schedule. No students are present on these days, allowing teachers the time to work together on specific issues related to curriculum, assessment, technology integration, cognitive coaching, differentiation, constructivist teaching, and accreditation recommendations.

Curriculum Committees

Curriculum development and a comprehensive curriculum framework is a major focus at AIS/D. Every teacher can expect to serve on a curriculum committee and participate in the general review of the curriculum format.

Accreditation

AIS/D has an annual responsibility to meet the standards of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The Accreditation process is critical to AIS/D and all faculty members will be knowledgeable of the process and, if appropriate, be encouraged to participate on Visiting Teams for other schools.

Conferences and University Coursework

Funding is provided for approved conferences and courses in accordance with the Professional Development Funding Guidelines.