Summer Professional Development Begins

July, 2009

"We know that student proficiency is directly correlated to adult proficiency – and a rigorous diet of professional development is the first step to developing ourselves, defining our work, and planning for the tenacious engagement of our students and families." - Principal Duke Bradley

On July 20, 2009, history was made at Mays Prep. A committed group of educators came together for the first time to ready themselves for the work of serving the children and families of New Orleans' historic 9th Ward community. Despite a unique mix of people with varied personal and professional experiences, all of the founding team shared an excitement around being the founding members of a school that, by all accounts, is expected to do great things. The founding team was welcomed to a light breakfast and an opening speech by Mays Prep's principal and founder, Mr. Duke Bradley.

While it is customary for local school districts to hold professional development prior to the beginning of school, doing so for 3 weeks is not common practice. According to Mr. Bradley, "We think it's absolutely critical. We know that student proficiency is directly correlated to adult proficiency – and a rigorous diet of professional development is the first step to developing ourselves, defining our work, and planning for the tenacious engagement of our students and families."

First grade teacher Kari Detwiler says, "It feels a lot like graduate school." Mr. Bradley agrees, saying "although these three weeks are not intended to feel like the second-coming of graduate school, they are intended to communicate what we think is important at Mays Prep which is the thoughtful preparation of our work. So if teachers are feeling pushed, that's a good thing."

Nonetheless, this is truly an impressive group. Much the same is expected of their students.