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The International School of the Peninsula is committed to providing students with a distinctive and superior bilingual immersion education. Opportunities for professional development for faculty are an integral part of this commitment, ensuring that teachers are well equipped to serve the growing needs of our students.

Being a teacher requires long-term development. Education is a constantly evolving profession, with new or improving methodologies, technology tools, and research on child development. Whether it's a new or veteran teacher, ongoing professional development allows faculty to reassess best practices, learn from or collaborate with their peers, and actively engage students in new, meaningful, and exciting ways.

From Early Years to Middle School, the needs of our students change with their continued growth. While the International School of the Peninsula does currently provide opportunities for professional development, we wish to provide direct support to enhance our programs, by adding focus on key areas: social-emotional learning and character development for Early Years Program, developing 21st century skills for Elementary School, and the collaborative nature of technology tools for Middle School.

For the Early Years Program, character development and social-emotional learning are the most important aspects of learning during these years. Learning how to be a part of a community, how to share, interact with others, listen, respond, ask questions, take turns - these are all essential components of a healthy, well-rounded individual. Targeted professional development in these areas will enhance our current program and benefit our students at a critical time in their lives.

In Elementary School, 21st century skills are integral, as a successful future for our students will revolve around their creativity, real-world problem solving, autonomy, the ability to collaborate, and a sense of ethics; developing integrity for all our actions, in all areas of learning. These skills build upon what was learned in the Early Years, and provide the backbone for the academic and content learning that happens in Elementary School.

Teaching 21st century skills continues on through middle school, and creates a bridge between how students live and how students learn. Technology plays a very large role in our students' lives. It is a powerful tool, and professional development in this area is an essential component for educators. With increasing importance placed on social media and interactive technology, students should develop skills to facilitate meaningful collaboration and interaction with each other and knowledgeable adults in authentic learning experiences.

ISTP teachers are skilled in so many ways, but it is essential that they have access to lifelong learning and development. Research shows that teachers who develop and learn continuously, in areas they have passion for and see how it will benefit their students, become even better teachers. The reinvigoration of professional development allows our teachers to come together and harmonize, so they may give our students an efficient and thorough education.

Gifts to this year's Fund-a-Need will have an incredible impact on our teachers, and therefore, our students. This impact will ripple and affect your children so they can grow up to become not only excellent students, but more importantly, excellent people.