Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Brett Geithman, Superintendent of Larkspur-Corte Madera School District in California, as they explore how intentional leadership and innovative professional development are shaping a model for student and staff success. This insightful conversation delves into Dr. Geithman’s commitment to personalized learning through inquiry-based instruction, such as Cognitively Guided Instruction in math and structured literacy, and his district’s multi-layered approach to professional development

Key Takeaways:

• Community-Funded Stability: Larkspur-Corte Madera is a community-funded “basic aid” district, allowing greater focus on instructional quality rather than enrollment pressures.
• Leadership Pipeline: The “Leaders From Within” program develops both classified and certificated staff for leadership roles, benefiting the district and the wider region.
• Gradual Release Model: The district partners with outside experts (like UCLA for Cognitively Guided Instruction in math), but intentionally builds internal teacher leaders to sustain and personalize professional development.
• Four-Layer PD Framework:

1. District-wide foundational knowledge
2. Site-specific PD tailored to each school
3. Grade-level/department PD for subject/age needs
4. Individualized coaching for teachers

• Personalized Support: PD is differentiated by teachers’ experience and needs, with ongoing coaching and lesson study models to embed new practices.
• Strategic Alignment: All PD and instructional initiatives are closely linked to the district’s strategic vision, with careful planning and timing to maintain momentum.
• Collaborative Culture: The district values risk-taking, collaboration, and reflection, and leverages strong community partnerships to support academic and social-emotional growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming PD Challenges

00:47 Meet Dr. Brett Geman: A Leader in Personalized Learning

01:28 District Overview: Larksburg Jte Madera School District

03:34 Leadership Development: Building the Next Generation

08:30 Four Layers of Effective PD

12:36 Strategic Planning for PD Implementation

23:54 Funding Professional Development: Time and Money Solutions

36:58 Brett Geman's Leadership Journey

42:28 Final Thoughts

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Brett Geithman: lcmschools.org/Page/2360

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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