Byelection Survey Question 9
Professional development days for teachers and other school board staff are negotiated locally. Do you believe our school board currently has negotiated the right number of professional development days? If not, what changes would you like to advocate for?
Wards 4 & 7
Joe Degagne:
Yes
Dan Penna:
At CCSD, there are certainly enough professional development days--the key question is how to improve and measure teacher performance in order to ensure that professional development is effective and meaningful. We need better PD. In terms of faith days, paying staff to attend Mass is not enough. Sophisticated Catholic apologetics complete with tests to ensure comprehension would be a good start. We need teachers to be knowledgeable in the Catholic faith.
Maria-Teresa Vecchio-Romano:
Candidate did not complete our survey.
Wards 11 & 12
Steve Chapman:
I honestly can't answer that because I have yet to see any metric that relates to successful development. I do not know what "professional development" actually means or who is evaluating it. I believe professional development is about content and improved skill set not about the number of days taken. In the police service our professional development revolved around specialized training and courses that we were graded on. The same was true for most programs I took while in business. Performance standards were set and we had to reach them. In some courses I received significant "development" in a single afternoon. Other much longer training programs were a complete waste of my time. I would love to see some development plan prepared as to what teachers and staff expect to gain from this paid time of learning and reflection. How will it make them better at their jobs and more importantly how will it improve the quality of education for our children.
Kimberly Cichon:
Children are our greatest treasures, and educators can be a key to unlocking their potential. Teachers who receive the proper tools, training, and support are more effective, confident, and prepared to navigate the complexities of the classroom.
Laura Dennison:
As a long-term parent and volunteer, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with teachers and understanding their challenges. While there are contractual requirements (ATA) for the number of hours taught, it’s equally important to provide meaningful opportunities for professional development.
Teachers and support staff face increasing workloads and greater student complexities, making professional development (PD) essential for enhancing their skills and supporting student success. I believe the focus should not only be on the number of PD days but also on when and how they are offered. Flexible, high-quality PD—delivered in various formats such as embedded sessions, online modules, or distance learning—is critical.
Additionally, professional development should be adequately funded by the province, ensuring that teachers and staff have access to the resources they need without bearing additional financial burdens. This is a critical conversation that I would prioritize as a trustee, advocating for a balanced approach that respects both contractual obligations and the evolving needs of educators.
I hope I’ve answered your questions to your satisfaction. I appreciate the opportunity to share my views. Please check out my website www.laurar4trustee.com for more information about my background and priorities.
Thank you
Chantelle Dur:
I believe professional development (PD) days are an important opportunity for teachers and staff to enhance their skills and better serve students. In our Catholic school district, PD days should also include adequate faith formation to support teachers and staff in integrating Catholic values into their teaching and creating a faith-centered learning environment. I would be open to a review of whether the current number of PD days is balanced with the need for classroom time and whether they provide adequate opportunities for faith formation.