Employees appreciate district’s focus on professional development for all 

HISD places a premium on teacher development, but the district is also enhancing its opportunities for support staff to grow their professional skills as well.

Darlene Wheatley and Keshaun Kierra Heno-Evans were among the 140-plus Team HISD employees who’ve benefitted from these professional development opportunities. They’re appreciative that non-instructional staff have the chance to learn additional skills to help them in their jobs, and both took advantage of the recent Paraprofessionals Forum at Kashmere High School in November.

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“I think the district is doing an excellent job of providing developmental opportunities, especially when you can find a training that can cater to your specific strengths or weaknesses,” said Heno-Evans, a clerk with the HISD Police Department.

Wheatley said in the past, she felt all professional development opportunities focused on teachers, but the availability of sessions for support staff is “much improved” in recent months.

“I attend any (trainings) that may help me better function in my job,” said Wheatley, a clerk at Kashmere High School. “I already signed up for the Time Management session in January, and have referred our new staff members to the sessions as well.”

During the Paraprofessionals Forum, attendees could attend breakout sessions that ranged from résumé writing, pursuing a bachelor’s degree, or learning more about online educational resources. It was the third such event in the past year organized by the district’s Onboarding & Organizational Development team in conjunction with various other departments, and more are planned.

“Whether they work with students directly or indirectly, HISD’s paraprofessionals are vital to student success,” said Sandy Henderson, an organizational development program specialist. “HISD is committed to supporting our paraprofessional staff by providing opportunities to stay up-to-date on district initiatives and resources for professional growth.”

Henderson added that 81 percent of the more than 140 employees who attended the November forum were first-time attendees, which shows there is a healthy appetite for professional development among all HISD employees.

“Overall, the feedback has been positive,” she said. “Attendees are requesting more opportunities for development. They are eager to learn to excel in their roles.”

The next Paraprofessionals Forum is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2016. Those who were unable to attend the November Forum may register for the February event via eTrain (Course Number OB0031).