There’s a buzz in the air at Serene Hills Elementary School (SHE), and it has nothing to do with the flu bug. Just ask school principal Allison Cobb whose unique vision for professional development is resulting in a different kind of widespread fever among her staff. Call it the “motivation virus,” and teacher Noelle DuPont has become infected.
DuPont is the first SHE teacher to meet the recommended ‘expectation’ for professional development prescribed by Cobb in 2007 as a way to attract and retain highly-qualified staff. The professional development strand, defined as “a willingness to seek certification in special education, reading, ESL and GT to help meet the varied needs of the learners assigned to each classroom,”is one of five SHE “expectations.”
“I like to think of these as recommended pathways for continuous improvement,” said Cobb. “The only expectation I have for my teachers is that they strongly consider these as they look at opportunities for professional growth and development.”
“Allison is a phenomenal person and a master motivator,” acknowledged DuPont. “Her support for teachers and their professional development is unmatched. Allison whole-heartedly believes that the combination of service, honor, and excellence is the non-negotiable hallmark all professional educators should embody.”
A native Austinite, DuPont began her tenure in education as a fourth grade teacher at Del Valle ISD in 2005. Since then, she has obtained certification in Special Education, Gifted and Talented (GT), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Reading. Most recently, the Texas State University graduate secured a Master’s degree in Advanced Literature from Concordia University. In the near future, DuPont aspires to earn a graduate certificate in Neuro Education from Johns Hopkins University and eventually plans to pursue a doctorate degree in Special Education. DuPont arrived at SHE as a kindergarten teacher last fall when the school opened its doors for the first time. Just a few weeks ago, Cobb assigned her to a position that services students with special needs, a welcomed challenged DuPont credits to her varied experiences and commitment to professional development.
“She is a great leader and positive influence for her colleagues,” said Cobb of DuPont. “Although I believe Noelle is intrinsically motivated, I’m pleased to know that she has taken ownership of the SHE Expectations.”
In fact, the entire SHE staff are experiencing similar symptoms. Each of Cobb’s 46 teachers is in the process of fulfilling his or her ‘expectation’ for professional development.
“If there were such a thing as a healthy infection, this would certainly be it,” quipped Cobb. “It’s definitely contagious.”
— By Marco Alvarado