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RISD rolls out new professional learning website, expands leadership cohorts and first-year supports
Summary
The district’s professional learning team presented an overview of expanded leadership development cohorts, a new professional learning website, a year-long series for first-year teachers and other supports; trustees asked about time demands and how impact is measured.
Richardson ISD’s professional learning team presented an extended update to the board on Nov. 7, outlining new resources and cohorts intended to build campus capacity and support teacher retention and instructional quality.
Shauna Ballas, senior executive director of the Leadership and Intervention team, said the department’s work aligns with the district’s North Star goals and House Bill 3 academic outcomes. Ballas introduced a team that includes Amber Lambert (coordinating director of professional learning), Laura Moore (director of professional learning), Christy Cage and Carolyn Knight.
Amber Lambert described three priorities for the year: a centralized professional learning website with a quarterly catalog and presenter resources; a year-long series of targeted sessions for first-year teachers ("Achieve"); and a cohort of professional learning staff developers to build capacity across campuses. "At the heart of our professional learning efforts is a commitment to the growth of every staff member," Lambert said, adding that the team is working to provide flexible offerings and campus-level capacity to design tailored learning.
Presenters described the cohort model (expanded from two cohorts in 2022 to five now), alignment with TPEST standards and use of MAP and survey data to measure impact. Ballas and other presenters emphasized multiple measurement approaches rather than a single causal link to a House Bill 3 outcome.
Trustees asked how the district balances staff time and PL obligations. Lambert said "Staff members are required to complete 18 hours of professional learning outside of their regular work hours" while a board exchange clarified that state certification rules require 50 hours every five years for certificate maintenance. Trustees praised the focus on teacher supports and leader development and thanked the team for improving participation and feedback compared with prior years.
The presentation concluded with trustee comments and no formal action; the board returned to other agenda items after a brief recess.
