Professional Development and Training
Schools are trying to prepare their students for the “future” with the inevitable developments brought about by globalization with the economic, cultural and technological social change and environmental transformations. Today, learning environments are evolving into flexible environments that offer students the opportunity to learn at their own pace and when they are ready. Depending on social and technological developments, the role of educational sciences and teachers is changing. In this process, teachers have assumed a responsibility that is open to learning and development, constantly curious, researching, observing, flexible, developed empathy, transforming and transforming, and guiding. Professional learning environments are very important and necessary for the educator to prepare herself/himself for changing conditions, to progress and to grow.
Hisar School’s Professional Education and Training Committee (Hisar PDT) carries out the task of carrying forward the professional development and growth activities that have existed in Hisar School since the first day. In order for our academic and administrative staff to adapt to the changing world faster, it creates necessary solutions for education policies and programs aimed at developing knowledge, skills and competencies. In this direction, it plans and realizes professional development programs in accordance with the changing roles of the teacher, especially individual and department-based needs.
Columbia University CPET Teachers’ College
The Center for the Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) is an organization of Teachers College, Columbia University, that is devoted to advancing global capacities in teacher education, research and whole school reform. CPET has been a leader in providing professional development services to schools in New York City and beyond.
Please click to get more information about the partnership between Hisar School and Columbia University.
Other Development and Training Programs
State University of New York Master Program
The Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s Program is designed to cater to the needs of educators with out of the ordinary professional ambitions. 23 of our teachers already received their degrees from this program since 2015. The program will continue with new students into the future.
MEF University Learning Sciences Master Program
This program was initiated in 2019-20 based on the protocol signed between Hisar School and MEF University. The program does not require a thesis for graduation. 18 of our teachers are enrolled in this program and currently 16 of our 18 teachers successfully completed the program and graduated in February 2021. Our two other teachers are expected to graduate in June 2021.
Phillips Exeter Academy Training Programs
This prestigious school which caters to grades 9-12 during the year, offers training programs for teachers from around the World during the summer. A small group of teachers from Hisar School attended the program for Biology teachers, during the summer of 2019. We hope to provide the same opportunity to 2-3 of our teachers every summer, in the future.
Principals Training Center (PTC) Programs
Principals Training Center offers professional development programs to help principals and other administrators develop themselves both in the area of administration as well as academia towards best practices around the world. Our High School and Primary School Principals have already completed the PTC program. Our pre-school and middle school principals are in the process of completing their training towards the same certificate.
Harvard Graduate School “Leading Learning” Certificate Program
Our High School and Primary School Principals are currently enrolled in this online program which covers leadership topics in education in theory and in practice.
Hisar School In-house Edtech Trainings
This program is geared towards helping Hisar School teachers and staff keep up-to-date with the educational technologies used at Hisar and elsewhere.
Boğaziçi University Mini Master Program
This is a certificate program geared towards developing teaching skills of teachers and help them implement their newly acquired skills in the classroom. The Turkish name of this program translates into English as “The Academy of Teachers who Make a Difference.” At the end of 2017-18, the first cohort of teachers (29) completed this program.
Boğaziçi University English and Turkish Language Training Programs
In order to cultivate the bi-lingual school climate, Hisar School offers language training programs on campus with the cooperation of Boğaziçi University. Courses are offered both in English and in Turkish.
Understanding by Design (UbD) Training and Mentoring
In order to make this approach a part of Hisar’s academic life, training programs are offered by well known experts and follow-up mentoring support is provided to teachers who take such training programs.