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Professional Learning
The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough professional learning is designed to develop educators’ knowledge and understanding, sustain growth and lead to refinements in practice. This is a collaborative and iterative process that expands educators’ capacity to improve student learning. The District’s professional learning culture is built on a foundation of trust, interdependence, an active role by all educators, and a shared belief that improved student learning is the goal of all professional learning.
Professional Learning Calendar
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District Professional Development hours provide educators with opportunities to personalize and align PD directly with professional learning, student learning, school improvement, or a strategic plan goal. Furthermore, the PD can align directly with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education re-licensure requirements.
For Flex PD, there are two pathways available. The first pathway is to complete one of the five online PD learning modules the Professional Development Committee has identified. The modules are organized and structured.
The second pathway is self/team directed. An educator, or in a team partnership, can identify Professional Development that aligns with his/her, or the group’s, student learning, professional practice, school improvement, or strategic plan goal. The individual, or team, is responsible for organizing and completing the self-directed pathway. The District will not reimburse any expense incurred for this pathway.
This year the PD Committee has developed a system for educators to seek colleagues who are interested in collaborating in Pathway 2. More information on collaboration opportunities can be found on the Pathway 2 webpage.
It is required that the 6 hours be completed outside of the 184 days, between July 1, 2024 and June 1, 2025, as the 6 hours of PD counts as the 185th contractual day.
This year the District is entering into year five of implementing Flexible Professional Development. This provides educators with opportunities to personalize and align PD directly with a professional goal, student learning goals, school improvement plan, or strategic plan goal. Furthermore, the PD can align directly with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education re-licensure requirements.
To provide guidance on the six hours of PD, the District Professional Development Committee (PDC) created a framework on how to organize and complete the six hours of learning. We want to thank the PDC and the Associations for their input and feedback in the development of this framework.
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Upon completion of Flex PD hours, each employee must complete the google form linked below by June 1, 2025. Please click the linked form for your school. Your school's Professional Development Committee representatives can assist with questions.
Algonquin Regional High School
Lincoln Street Elementary School
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This form should be completed by all teachers, staff, and other professional personnel who are requesting pre-approval to attend a conference, workshop, or other professional event. Please complete the form even if there is no cost associated with the event.
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One element of the professional learning system is professional development days.
In the 2025-2026 academic year, educators will be engaged in five professional development days.
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Day 1: August 25, 2025 - Professional Development Day
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Day 2-3: August 26-27, 2025 - Building-Based Professional Development Day & Teacher Return Day
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Day 4: March 23, 2026 -District Professional Development Day
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Day 5: Flexible PD: Converted to six hours of PD to be completed between July 1, 2025, and June 1, 2026.
The Professional Development Committee will continue to collaborate in planning these learning opportunities and to ensure that they are aligned with Vision 2026: Educate, Inspire, Challenge. The District is committed to supporting educators' professional development in ways that foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth.