Chief of Schools Announces Reorganization of Professional Development Division – Aldine ISD

The changes include the expansion of the vocational training department and the reorganization of the schools office and the teaching and learning department.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Faviola Cantú recently announced organizational changes to support Aldine ISD’s efforts to achieve goals and improve learning and professional development.

Cantú shared that in 23-24, the district focused on three key elements: Differentiated support for studentsA Crystal clear response to dataand one Solid professional development plan.

The changes resulted from feedback from campus visits, meetings and conversations about the need for a strong professional development plan, which were reiterated as the critical lever to support all other priorities. Cantú added that even as leaders began developing a new strategic plan, professional development for all employees continued to drive the conversation.

“These changes will result in a realignment of teaching and learning departments as well as the Schools Office so that all staff, particularly teachers, can access meaningful, differentiated and practical support tailored to their specific needs,” a declared Cantú.

Changes

The district will expand the Career Education department to bring synergy to the work done by each department in Aldine ISD.

AISD will strengthen the professional development department by moving all employees who provide coaching and leadership training into one area, ensuring all resources are synchronized and coordinated.

• Dr. Rachel Alex will assume the title of Executive Director of Professional Learning and Leadership Development.. His work with future leaders and first-year assistant principals and principals will continue. She will also focus on how school leaders are trained and strengthened as instructional leaders, while focusing on district-wide professional development plans.
• Christopher Walker, who will join the department as director of leadership developmentwill provide ongoing leadership development for instructional coaches, as well as campus and central office leaders.
• The director of basic vocational training (awaiting a grant from the Schusterman Foundation) and Director of Secondary Vocational Learning, Anetta Modest, will monitor and support district content area coaches. In addition to providing feedback and support, she will offer real-time coaching and training on the art of coaching.
• Suzanna ‘Suzy’ García will continue as Director of New Teacher Support. She and her team are responsible for SHINE (Supporting, Honoring, Inspiring Novice Educators) and other initiatives that provide ongoing support for new teachers in Aldine ISD. The director of the new teacher support program, Gwendolyn Lockett, will now serve as Director of the Professional Apprenticeship Program.
• Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Lindsey Wise works directly to strengthen professional development resources, training and support. It will be at the forefront of this process of expansion and realignment. Her formal oversight includes professional development, library media services, and Response to Intervention (RtI). She is also responsible for ensuring consistency in teaching and learning.

“These changes are driven by our unwavering commitment to providing every educator with the resources and support necessary to excel in their role, thereby improving the educational experience and success of our students,” Cantú said.

In the coming weeks, Cantú added that staff will see significant improvements and changes intended to implement a vision and professional development system that balances instructional and administrative leadership focused on effective teaching practices, based teaching on data and school culture. Changes will be implemented in stages, with specific timelines and communication plans to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to our operations.