The Pasadena Independent School District recognizes that quality staff development is the key to long-lasting school improvement. The district is committed to a comprehensive, results-driven staff development program for all employees. Staff development programs include workshops, courses for university credit, study groups, classroom or school-wide research, internships, and peer coaching. Follow-up activities that connect what has been learned in training programs to daily work life are available. The Pasadena ISD staff development program is designed to increase the probability of employee success in an ever-changing world.
Effective Teaching Practices
To ensure that the staff has the theoretical and informational basis necessary for success, all newly-hired teachers and instructional support employees complete within the first year of employment a district-sponsored course entitled "Effective Teaching Practices." Topics include classroom management, district history and philosophy, cultural diversity, lesson planning, technology, diversity of learners, effective instruction, classroom climate and assessment.
Peer Coaching and Mentoring
Pasadena Independent School District teachers and administrators have a unique opportunity to increase their own work satisfaction while assisting interns and colleagues in professional growth. Through peer coaching and mentoring, systematic on-the-job training and retraining are provided. There is a district expectation for continued growth of all staff members.
To guarantee a strong base of district expertise in priority areas, staff members are selected to receive in-depth training from experts in the field. Trained staff members disseminate the training on a needs basis throughout the district. The training of trainers model provides for the development of leadership skills and instructional expertise.
The Pasadena Independent School District is centrally located in a higher education complex which offers teachers and their families abundant opportunities to further their education.
The University of Houston-Clear Lake, San Jacinto College, and the Texas Chiropractic College are all located within Pasadena city limits.
The University of Houston-Clear Lake is an upper level educational facility offering bachelor and master degrees in a variety of fields, including education. The San Jacinto system of three campuses around Harris County is one of the largest public colleges in Texas. The dynamic community college offers a full junior college curriculum, including vocational programs.
Concordia University Texas-Houston Center offers associate and bachelor degrees, as well as a Masters in Education. The classes at held at Lutheran South Academy in the South Belt not far from Burnett Elementary.
Pasadena is within easy commuter distance of the University of Houston main campus, Rice University, and 11 other distinguished institutions of higher learning located in the county.
Please remember: District-level courses require the submission of a survey within 14 days of the training as part of course completion requirements. Participants who do not complete the survey with the 14 days will not be eligible for course credit. We value you feedback in planning for future trainings.
Professional Development
Pasadena Independent School District
1832 E. Sam Houston Pkwy. S., Pasadena, TX 77503
713/740-5298 |713/740-4013 fax
Traci Goodwin, Executive Director of Professional Development and Events
[email protected]