There are super tangible processes and takeaways driven by financial necessity featured in conversation #55 with Assistant Superintendent Lori Lofton of New Albany Plain Local Schools. I am loving the idea of "Bite-sized PD" based on teacher interest.

"After navigating a significant fiscal cliff between 2014-2016, a core principle emerged to guide our district’s decision-making: intentional and judicious use of external resources. Consequently, we have invested in a few full-time release teachers as instructional coaches. Coaches split their time providing intervention for at-risk students and coaching other teachers.

Elementary coaches were instrumental in shifting from older methodologies to Science of Reading, with new coaches specifically trained in this area. This model ensures coaches bring practical classroom experience back when they cycle out of the role, making them even stronger teachers. Similarly, when we launched the Bridges math program, two coaches were initially dedicated full-time to its support, with plans to eventually cycle back into teaching roles.

At the secondary level, our coaching model is different, with one full-time enrichment coach and a part-time release math coach for both middle school and high school. We utilize two technology integration coaches for presentations and professional development, and our Director of Accountability & Assessment provides support for data analysis. Grants from Battelle for Kids support our work focused on student agency. Two years ago, we added a literacy coordinator at the administrative level to oversee ELA curriculum rollout. Our leadership team meets regularly with coaches to ensure alignment and support.

We prioritize teacher voice and expertise. We have PLCs & TBTs (Teacher-Based Teams) where teachers meet weekly. At our high school, five Assistant Principals divide evaluation and departmental oversight, allowing for targeted coaching. We also have common planning time and dedicated 30-minute blocks before school for elementary and after school for high school. This structure facilitates our "Bite-sized PD" — 20-minute sessions led by teachers and coaches, driven by teacher interest. We also have a unique resource: a full-time release science teacher who coordinates with classes to utilize our campus' wetlands and woods as a field lab.

We are incredibly selective with outside partners. For new initiatives, we will bring in external experts for targeted training, as we did last year with our Education Service Center (ESC) for initial professional development, which is very cost-effective. We also offer summer hours so teachers can be compensated for planning new curriculum implementation.

We have adopted the state’s provided AI policy language and we will be focusing on it during our opening PD day, supporting teachers and students with guidelines in the handbook. We are not pushing AI adoption universally, but our technology coaches will be the champions, guiding those who are ready. Teachers can also propose their own PD workshop topics on designated PD days, and AI sessions are very popular."