As students have been diving into new challenges and discoveries through the fall, SMUS teachers have been on their own journeys of growth—sharing ideas, honing their craft, and embracing fresh perspectives to inspire and enrich the classroom experience.
A key highlight this season was our professional growth goal-sharing sessions. In these small, intimate discussions, teachers from all divisions exchanged insights and opportunities they’ve pursued, including research, event attendance, and presentations delivered to external audiences. Participating in these conversations genuinely energizes me; witnessing their excitement as they explore new ideas reminds me of their unwavering dedication to your children’s success. Their enthusiasm for learning reflects our mission to inspire every SMUS student with a passion for exploration and creativity discovery.
An essential aspect of my role at SMUS is establishing our professional development strategy and the continued development of our teachers. This is a critical piece to supporting a strong academic program. At SMUS, teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling. Fostering curiosity, igniting passion, and nurturing a lifelong love for learning is at the centre of our work. Parents and families have entrusted us with the incredible privilege of preparing these children for life and we take that responsibility to heart.
Inspiring teaching comes from a dedication to growth, both in our students and ourselves. Our Portrait of a Teacher outlines descriptors for what it means to teach and learn at SMUS, emphasizing three key pillars:
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Commitment to Collaboration and Community
- Professionalism and Lifelong Learning
Our teachers engage with continuous growth to create the dynamic, hands-on, and meaningful learning experiences your children deserve. We can see this impact in our demonstrations of learning, parent conferences, and the SMUS Weekly, where the Marketing and Communications Department works hard to tell the stories of exciting and inspiring learning. Just like our students, our educators are lifelong learners, staying curious and engaged in the latest developments in education. We have continued to focus on professional learning that keeps our teaching fresh, innovative and inspiring.
From inspiring workshops and conferences to sessions with guest speakers and Indigenous Elders, our teachers have explored topics such as social-emotional development, literacy strategies, executive functioning, artificial intelligence in education, coaching for teaching, learning and leadership and principles of learning and neuroscience. Further, this fall, there were a few SMUS teachers who presented at external workshops, sharing their expertise in the areas of mathematics and literacy. These experiences reignite the spark of curiosity and joy that drives exceptional teaching at SMUS.
We know that education is evolving at lightning speed, particularly with the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and ongoing research in the principles of learning. By investing in the ongoing professional development of our educators, we ensure that they are equipped to make the learning journey relevant, engaging, and transformative. When teachers grow, students thrive as teachers design lessons that connect to real-world challenges and opportunities that enrich a child's educational experience.
When we prioritize time for professional learning, your support and understanding of how this connects to the quality of the educational experience is key. Together, we’re building a future where every student is inspired to achieve their potential - to flourish—and it truly starts with the dedicated teachers who bring learning to life.
