Professional Learning
Support from a trusted colleague
Your Greatness Is Their Greatness
We know that with the proper support, high-quality instructional materials can transform teaching and learning. That’s why our team of teacher–writers are the ones to craft all of our professional development and why we make sure educators with firsthand experience teaching the curriculum lead each session.
Great Minds® is the exclusive provider of professional development written and delivered by the PhD Science® team.
Professional Development
Created by the team of teacher–writers behind PhD Science, our in-person and virtual professional development sessions include options for teachers and leaders. These sessions ensure strong initial implementation as well as sustained success.
Professional Coaching
Through modeling and observation, our professional coaching help teachers improve implementation and help leaders develop effective ways to support, understand, and evaluate day-to-day classroom practices.
Implementing PhD Science with Fidelity
To set educators up for success with PhD Science, our team of teacher–writers created the three-year plan below, which integrates both professional development and personalized coaching so all teachers can feel confident with the curriculum. Because we know that when teachers feel prepared and well-versed in the curriculum, students thrive.
Year 1:
Profesional Development
SUMMER
(before implementation)
Foundational Professional Development Sessions
- Launch PhD Science Levels K–5
FALL
Foundational Professional Development Sessions
- Module-Level Study
SPRING
Foundational Professional Development Sessions
- Focus on Instructional Techniques I
END OF YEAR
Profesional Coaching
SUMMER
(before implementation)
Personalized Coaching Sessions
- Lead PhD Science
FALL
Personalized Coaching Sessions
- Guided Observation for Leaders
- Nurturing a Student-Driven Classroom
- Managing a Student-Driven Classroom
SPRING
Personalized Coaching Sessions
- Guided Observation for Leaders
- Pacing for a Student-Driven Classroom
END OF YEAR
Personalized Coaching Sessions
- Guided Observations for Leaders
Year 2:
Profesional Development
SUMMER/FALL
SustainingProfessional Development Sessions
- Focus on Instructional Techniques II
SPRING
Sustaining Professional Development Session
- Focus on Instructional Techniques III
END OF YEAR
Profesional Coaching
SUMMER/FALL
Personalized Coaching Sessions
-
Guided Observations for Leaders
-
Discourse for a Student-Driven Classroom
SPRING
Personalized Coaching Sessions
- Guided Observation for Leaders
- Prepare a Lesson Collaboratively
END OF YEAR
Personalized Coaching Sessions
- Guided Observations for Leaders
Year 3:
Profesional Development
SUMMER/FALL
Sustaining Professional Development Sessions
- Focus on Instructional Techniques IV
SPRING
Sustaining Professional Development Session
- Grade Band Progression
END OF YEAR
Profesional Coaching
SUMMER/FALL
Personalized Coaching Sessions
-
Guided Observations for Leaders
-
Planning and Preparing by Using Checks for Understanding
SPRING
Personalized Coaching Sessions
- Guided Observation for Leaders
- Prepare a Lesson Collaboratively
END OF YEAR
Personalized Coaching Sessions
- Guided Observations for Leaders
Hear from educators who previously attended Great Minds Professional Development
Thanks so much for creating meaning opportunities in today's PD to make the learning experience purposeful. I loved the way the instructional routines were interwoven throughout today's presentation.
I am excited to implement this hands-on approach to teaching science. I love the way writing is integrated into the investigations. This is one of the best PD's I've ever attended. Thank you!
Isaac did an excellent job of modeling how to teach these modules! He was engaging and fun!
This PD has got me so excited to get back to the classroom with my students. Thank you for this program.