Meritas Family of Schools Hosts First Summer Learning Institute at Windermere Preparatory School

ORLANDO, Fla., July 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 100 Meritas teachers, faculty and administrators from around the world gather this week at Windermere Preparatory School with a forward looking eye on transforming K-12 education. From sessions regarding teacher appraisal and professional development, to certifying new instructors to teach key development courses to colleagues, the Meritas Summer Learning Institute provides an opportunity for career betterment and sharing of best practices. Meritas is a worldwide family of elite college-preparatory schools that provides highly personalized education to more than 11,000 students at ten private schools and boarding schools across the globe.

Summer Learning Institute: Foundations for Growth is part of the Meritas Teachers College (MTC), the professional development organization within Meritas that not only supports teachers' professional development, but gives teachers the tools and skills necessary to implement the various elements of the Meritas Academic Plan effectively. 

"Ongoing professional development is a hallmark of working for a Meritas School. If we want our students to achieve the best outcomes possible, we can never be complacent with our own education," said Bobbi Troike, Chief Talent Officer, Meritas. "With the Summer Learning Institute we are able to share best practices, learn from others within our system and be ready to roll out new processes once we return for the new school year."

The Summer Learning Institute is a four day seminar divided into two key segments - Teacher Appraisal & Professional Development, and Course Instructor Certification. The first two days focus on aspects of effective teaching and ways supervisors best monitor teacher practice and performance. Days three and four are training-focused, allowing the MTC to recognize its "for teachers, by teachers" approach, one of its key differentiators from other professional development programs.

"It has long been noted that in teaching, we learn. Teachers teaching teachers is our time-tested approach," said David Hicks, Chief Academic Officer. "By having such a robust network of professionals, and distinct opportunities within the College, everyone involved is taking home for themselves and their colleagues the knowledge they need for their own personal career and learning path."

In addition to Meritas teachers, faculty and administrators, Summer Learning Institute attendees will hear from Dr. Paula Bevans, a charter member of the Danielson Group, as she provides a keynote address, "Clarifying Beliefs, Goals and Principles of Effective Supervision, Professional Development and Appraisal." 

About Meritas

Meritas is a worldwide family of college-preparatory schools that provides highly personalized education to more than 11,000 students at our ten schools across the globe. Meritas schools have more than 300 years of collective and proven experience and have educated more than 50,000 students. Meritas schools are comprised of top-performing teachers who challenge each child to make optimal progress, both academically and socially. As a result, Meritas students go on to their top-choice universities with the critical-thinking and complex problem-solving skills needed to excel in life.  As a collaborative global network with schools in some of the world's most influential geographies, Meritas is focused on developing the world's next generation of leaders. For more information, visit www.meritas.net.

About the Danielson Group

The Danielson Group seeks to advance the understanding and application of Charlotte Danielson's concepts in the educational community, connect them to other areas of knowledge and enhance professional practices of educators so as to positively impact student learning. The Group consists of consultants of the highest caliber, talent, and experience in educational practice, leadership and research. Based in Princeton, New Jersey, the Danielson Group provides a wide array of professional development and consulting services to clients across the United States and abroad. The Danielson Group is the only organization approved by Charlotte Danielson to provide training and consultation around the Framework for Teaching.

SOURCE Meritas