Content Cadres & Teacher Flex Days

Providing teachers with the opportunity to study, practice, and receive critical feedback requires prioritizing professional learning. We value our teachers and the work they do with the students of Shelby County Schools each day, and because of this, we want to allocate teachers time during their regularly contracted hours to prioritize professional learning. The 2019-2020 school calendar reflects this commitment to professional learning.

Through a combination of full and half day professional learning opportunities, we ensure teachers have dedicated time within their day to gain the knowledge and skills they need to improve student outcomes. Half days ensure minimal disruption to student learning and allow teachers to have access to critical information during the school day, rather than having to stay late at their school, or drive to another location in SCS and stay late. We recognize teachers have children, families, and obligations that extend well beyond their time in front our students, and we want to prioritize professional learning while also respecting our teachers’ time.

Content Cadres

In collaboration with their school leader, educators will be placed in a learning path based on their grade band and content area. Depending on content area, there are up to four path options.

Exploring Path. New educators engaging in the Exploring Path will participate in introductory learning sessions customized to develop their fluency with the curriculum and a deep understanding of the state standards, providing teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement the curriculum with integrity. This path is designated for new teachers with zero years of experience.

Progressing Path. Educators engaging in the Progressing Path will participate in learning sessions customized to build their fluency with the curriculum and a deep understanding of the state standards, providing teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement the curriculum with integrity.

Advancing Path. Educators engaging in the Advancing Path will participate in learning sessions customized to refine their fluency, allowing teachers to make more nuanced decisions with the curriculum through a deeper understanding of the state standards, providing teachers with increased capacity to implement the curriculum with integrity and meet the needs of all students.

Sustaining Path. Educators engaging in the Sustaining Path will participate in learning sessions to reflect on their instructional moves and enhance their ability to extend engagement and collaboration opportunities to all students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Canvas Course One – Communication (updated 2019-11-13)
• Canvas Course Two – Communication
• SCS Content Cadres - Canvas FAQs (updated 2020-02-18)
• SCS Teacher Flex Days – Guidance for Leaders (updated 2019-10-10)
• Accessing Your Professional Learning Transcript in PLZ (updated 2019-10-02)