Gann Academy is committed to the belief that teaching is a dynamic and complex process. Our faculty is a reflective and collaborative professional learning community. Our teachers are curious about the learning process and embrace a desire to work on their teaching practice. Teachers at Gann open the doors to their classroom to their colleagues for observation and investigation into questions of practice. Many departments regularly co-plan units and assessments and meet together in group settings to reflect on their teaching. Teachers choose to take advantage of external professional development opportunities, including summer courses to further strengthen their skills.

Our professional development program reflects these commitments through a range of offered opportunities. Moreover, we maintain multiple sites of teacher learning and growth, including the mentoring program, work within departments, interdisciplinary study of practice, faculty meetings and professional development days.

Professional Development Programs:
Supervision for Growth: Frequent observations and feedback from department chairs, the Director of Teaching and Learning, and the Head of School form the backbone of individuated work on our teachers' goals for their own development.

Induction/Mentoring Program: Based on our belief that teaching takes time to learn and that some aspects of the work can only be learned while on the job, we offer novice teachers and teachers who are new to Gann the opportunity to work with a trained mentor in his/her department for the first two years at the school. Collaborative teamwork among the mentors provides a significant venue for professional growth for our more experienced teachers.

Faculty Rounds Program: After completing the induction program, teachers may continue to work on their practice by joining an interdisciplinary group of 6-8 members who observe one another's classroom teaching and meet on a monthly basis to discuss their observations.

Chanoch L'Na'ar: A program of character development for students and faculty that employs traditional Jewish methods for self-reflection to support a culture of learning, self-reflection, and open engagement. Working in small groups and with a partner, participants concentrate on small, daily practices that help them improve the incorporation of values such as respect into their daily lives and interactions with others.

In-Service and Professional Development Days: Time is set aside for faculty to learn together about school wide educational goals that frame our year, and for faculty to learn from one another about their curricular choices and pedagogical strategies.

Weekly Faculty Meetings: A significant portion of time at our weekly meetings will be devoted to collaborative work on elements of teaching practice and sharing both our challenges and successes.

Faculty Grant Program: Teachers may apply annually for grant funding to pursue a professional development opportunity of their choosing outside of Gann Academy, such as workshops, conferences, and courses.