Professional Development School Contract

Oak Hill School

and
The Stillman College Division of Education

• “Valuing teachers’ voluntary, ongoing changes in practice is

one way of empowering them in the process of educational
improvement.”
(Kadel-Taras, S. 1998, p. 151)

• . . . Professional development programs must demonstrate that

they truly make a difference in teacher performance and
student achievement. . . When teachers leave the nation’s
schools of education, their professors should not just wish them
a happy life and never see them again. Professors
should welcome teachers back after they have been out in the
real world, for they will have good ideas for improving teacher
education. Furthermore, professors should go into the
elementary and secondary schools and share their experience
and ideas. The doors should be open on both ends.” –
(Riley, R. 1997, p. 180)

In keeping with the philosophies of the above statements and of the ideal of
Professional Development Schools, the undersigned agree to be committed to the
students of Oak Hill School and Stillman College, to each other as faculty and as
members of a learning community, as professional educators who strive to always
be effective reflective communicators.

Commitments of both Oak Hill and Stillman College:

1) A belief in innovation as a tool of success for all students.

2) Availability of sufficient resources (other than solely financial).
3) Acceptance of the open door concept.
4) More fluid communication between the partners.
5) A partnership of true equality among and between colleagues of both
institutions.
Oak Hill Needs:

1) Teacher candidates who have actual and varied teaching experiences

before coming to Oak Hill.
2) Teacher candidates who have been taught management skills for
working with para-professionals.
3) Teacher candidates who understand school law and especially special-
education laws.
4) Teacher candidates who take initiative to bring new ideas and create
activities to be shared with school faculty. They should be actively
involved in teaching, even while observing.

Stillman Needs:

1) Partner faculty who will work within the Stillman Teacher Education
Program (STEP) and help the College faculty reinforce the precepts and
philosophy of the program.
2) Classroom space for special projects that need to be conducted on site at
Oak Hill.
3) Partner faculty who are interested in innovation and trying new
techniques, especially in technology and action research.
4) Opportunities for Stillman teacher candidates to observe effective
assistive technology.
5) Advisory team for current special education courses.

Oak Hill Principal Stillman Dean of Education

Date signed Date signed