Creating Professional Pathways for Teachers
Saturday, April 4th, 1:40pm - 2:25pm - Strategy Sessions
Professional Pathways for Teachers (PPfT) is a collaboration between Austin Independent School District, Education Austin, and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to design a Human Capital System that blends appraisal, compensation, leadership pathways and professional development. Teachers opt into learning pathways aligned with district priorities, including literacy, transformative technology, socio-emotional learning, problem-based learning, and advanced academics. Successful completion of the two year micro-credential leads to a base salary increase as well as a new level of expertise that gives teachers ownership of their learning and career development. Come hear about the process, successes, and lessons learned behind the PPfT initiative, and explore how this model may support your ongoing efforts to professionalize teaching in your district.
David Reinhart graduated from the University of the South (Sewanee, TN) with a B.A. in English and worked as a wilderness therapist at a residential, outdoor facility for delinquent youth for 5 years. He received his M.Ed. from the University of Texas at Austin in Multicultural and Special Education. He has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and middle school principal in Texas and Mexico. In his more recent district level roles, David works with others to align and strategically connect recruiting, hiring, and development needs for AISD employees. He also serves as a liaison with the Office of Academics and SEL, and the Office of School Leadership as an integral liaison and colleague for professional learning design and Implementation, use of systems, support and organization of district-wide professional learning, preparing campuses for changes and modernized learning environments, leadership pathways for teachers, and creating a district-wide culture of coaching.
Megan Counihan has 22 years of educational experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director of leadership development. As a principal, her campus earned an exemplary or A rating each year, received several outdoor learning grants, and was recognized for their STEAM program and Blended and Personalized Learning. As the Director of Leadership Development, she brings passion for coaching, developing talent, differentiating professional learning, and helping others navigate through the educational change process. Megan Counihan received her BA in applied learning and development from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998, obtained her National Board Teaching Certification in 2004, and M.ED in educational leadership from Texas State University in 2008.