Change the Name of Our District’s Training Department from Staff Development to Professional Development

According to the National Staff Development Council, “Professional development is defined as a comprehensive, sustained, and intensive approach to improving teachers’ and principals’ effectiveness in raising student achievement.” With this definition in mind as well as our district’s focus on improving teacher effectiveness, a name change would align our efforts. District’s across the nation use the term professional development as a component of their human capital management plans. According to SMHC (Strategic Management of Human Capital), “Districts manage human capital strategically when their systems-curriculum, instruction, professional development, IT, accountability, and HR-are coordinated and work together.” In order to improve the performance of our workforce, we must improve our professional practice. Professional Development, as the title of our district’s training department, will keep our focus on improving the professional practice of all district employees. It defines what we are attempting to accomplish as a district department.

* Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce

The name change will have no financial impact.