Office of Professional Development
C. Thomas Bowmann, Director of Professional Development

Developing people is the business of education, and the Professional Development Office is committed to providing leadership and support to the Baltimore City Public Schools as it improves student achievement through professional learning. Our customers, including paraprofessionals, teachers, principals and administrators, have diverse demands for high quality professional development that is both relevant and immediate; hence, we subscribe to the Maryland Professional Development Standards as we collaborate in the development of professional development opportunities. Please take time to access the programs featured in this brochure and visit us through the Teacher/Student Support System (TSSS) on the Professional Development Office homepage. We appreciate your comments and suggestions regarding City Schools’ professional development. Best wishes for continuous professional growth.

Our Work

Coordination of Professional Development

The Professional Development Office is the coordinating agent for all professional development in Baltimore City Public Schools. From the development and distribution of a system-wide professional development calendar to the creation of planning and evaluation tools for all professional development activities, the team serves as a resource to every department in the school system. The Professional Development website contains information and professional development resources for any type of professional development. The Professional Development Center at 2500 E. Northern Parkway provides a location for professional development activities to take place.
Leadership Development

The Professional Development Office is responsible for the creation and coordination of programs within Baltimore City Public Schools that promote professional growth and the preparation of tomorrow’s school leaders. We are adopting the recommendations of the Strategic Plan for Leadership Development and will be creating and expanding opportunities for teacher leaders, aspiring leaders, assistant principals, principals and senior staff. The team is also participating in several leadership development partnerships, including the Aspiring Leaders Program, the Principals’ Induction Institute, a program of support for first and second year principals, New Leaders for New Schools, an intense preparation program for aspiring principals, and assistant principal cohorts for the Institute for Learning.

Performance-Based Evaluation System (PBES)

The Performance-Based Evaluation System (PBES) is designed to improve the quality of instruction and increase student achievement in Baltimore City Public Schools. Based on the work of Charlotte Danielson, PBES is used to evaluate all teacher-level staff in four domains: Planning and Preparation, The Learning Environment, Instruction/Instructional Support, and Professional Responsibilities. The evaluation instruments for principals, assistant principals and deans have recently been revised and aligned to the Maryland Instructional Leadership Framework.

Professional Development Schools (PDS)

Professional Development Schools in Baltimore City Public Schools provide opportunities for professional development that is planned and implemented by local colleges and universities in collaborative partnerships that support systemic initiatives and individual school needs. PDSs also allow interns (student teachers) the opportunity to become immersed in the culture of a particular school and to provide the school system with a pool of potential new teachers with City Schools’ experience.

New Educators Professional Development Program

To address the national and local teacher shortage, the New Educators Professional Development Program was created in 1999 by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners to provide students with competent and qualified teachers; it is comprised of several programs. The two-week New Teacher Summer Institute is a program designed to welcome new teachers to Baltimore City Public Schools. During this time, new teachers participate in workshop sessions that focus on Curriculum, Planning and Preparation, The Learning Environment, Instruction, Professional Responsibilities and Technology. A two-day school site orientation takes place at the conclusion of the Institute.

Another component of the New Educators Professional Development Program is the New Teacher Evening Seminars. The Evening Seminar program is an extension of the Summer Institute for first year teachers. All new teachers are encouraged to participate in the bi-weekly sessions, which include professional development activities designed to address group and individual needs. Participants use their daily experiences to engage in curriculum and instruction planning and classroom management discussions, while integrating technology and current research. Guided discussions and collaboration are integral parts of the process. In 2006 the New Educators Professional Development Program added an Evening Seminar component as an extended support for second and third year teachers.

National Board Certification Program

Baltimore City Public Schools is committed to supporting teacher development through programs designed to nurture intellectual curiosity, scholarship and professional stature. The National Board Certification Program is designed to meet the needs of inspired teachers.
Certification for National Board Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is the demonstration of a candidate’s teaching practice as measured against rigorous standards. One is eligible to attempt NBPTS certification after year 3 of teaching on a recognized professional certificate and satisfactory evaluations. The cost of the program is covered by MSDE and Baltimore City Public Sschools upon acceptance into the program. City Schools’ teachers who obtain NBPTS certification receive a $4,000 stipend annually for 10 years.

Baltimore City Public Schools’ Master Plan

Goal 3: Provide students with highly qualified and competent staff.

Professional Development Office

It is the mission of the Office of Professional Development to provide schools and classrooms with highly effective principals and teachers through continuous learning that improves student achievement.

Contact Information:

C. Thomas Bowmann, Director
ctbowmann@bcps.k12.md.us

Nancy Neilson, Coordinator
nneilson@bcps.k12.md.us

Daniel Jenkins, Staff Associate
djenkins02@bcps.k12.md.us