Part of ensuring students receive a quality education means providing teachers with adequate professional development. However, that investment means nothing if educators are not putting those skills to use.  

This year, Special Schools division leaders launched “Learning Walks,” a quarterly initiative that inspects the classroom management skills, educational content and student participation they expect at Harris County Department of Education campuses. The program was inspired by #TeamHCDE’s desire to receive continued professional development outside of the hours mandated by the state.  

Campus principals escort Dr. Charles Ned, division senior director; Dr. Margaret Patton, curriculum and compliance services director; Michelle Rayson, compliance and technical support officer; and instructional coaches Shauntee Johnson and Courtney Atkinson through each classroom. They analyze how teachers are implementing new teaching strategies, if the lesson plans align with the content taught during the visit, how students are interacting throughout class and the accuracy of their work. The group then meets with principals to discuss their observations and provide constructive feedback for each teacher, holding them accountable and creating a safe environment for continued learning. 

Learning Walks ensure professional development doesn’t stop in the training room and continues into the classroom. It helps division leaders monitor educators and students’ progress throughout the academic year and is a powerful way to keep HCDE schools moving forward.