St. Joseph academic committee reviews 2026–27 professional learning plan, expands supports for new teachers

St. Joseph School District curriculum staff presented a draft 2026–27 professional learning plan to the district academic committee at its April meeting, outlining a push for instructional coherence, additional supports for beginning teachers and a plan to expand use of a nationally recognized reading screener.

Tabitha Keyser, director of curriculum and instruction, led the presentation and urged a shift "from professional development to professional learning," arguing that the district should measure success by evidence of classroom practice change and improved student outcomes. Keyser framed the plan around four pillars—high-quality instructional materials, high‑leverage practices, content knowledge and belief systems—and emphasized developing an "instructional playbook" of a few district non‑negotiables to be implemented preK–12.

The draft proposes expanded supports for…