Posts by Tracy Gallagher
DEI Audit Tools and Resources for Independent Schools
The resurgence of Black Lives Matter (BLM) this past summer had a visible impact on for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations, including independent schools. Many now agree that taking an apolitical or a neutral stance is not an option. Historically white independent schools have made greater efforts to talk openly about race and white supremacy culture.…
Read MoreHow to Extend and Deepen Learning after Professional Development
Amidst a rapidly changing world, educators are charged with not only keeping abreast with the trends in their subject areas, but also remaining curious and growing in the areas of social and emotional learning, equity literacy, and leadership development. And at the school level, leaders know the research—teachers’ job satisfaction is directly linked to access…
Read MoreA Case for Ongoing Professional Development
The CATDC’s Ongoing Programs, series of 3-5 meetings led by local educators, are some of our most agile and responsive professional development offerings and the foundation of our unique approach to growing capacity in California independent schools. Easy access to digital and print resources and online courses make continuing education within reach at all times,…
Read MoreJoin the Club
Clubs and affinity spaces are designed to appeal to people of common interests and experiences. This shared experience ignites a sense of understanding and support within the group, a familiar camaraderie. The sense of empowerment that exists in affinity spaces is more critical when this group of people is part of a less dominant, disadvantaged,…
Read More4 Must-Read Books for the Beginning of the School Year
Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain This book by Zaretta Hammond draws on cutting-edge neuroscience research to offer an innovative approach for designing and implementing brain-compatible culturally responsive instruction and is appropriate for all teachers at any experience level who strive to make their classrooms a safe and rigorous place for all their students. In…
Read MoreCreating a Growth Mindset In and Out of the Classroom
We want our students to achieve growth, both in and out of the classroom. And we know that simple shifts and practice can have a profound impact on both their work and behavior. Building on Carol Dweck’s work on Growth Mindset and Carol Thomlinson’s Differentiated Instruction, we can design a roadmap for students to meet…
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