Page 76 - 2025 GPISD Honor Board Application

07 PARTICIPATION IN WORKSHOPS AND OTHER PERFORMANCE

IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS

7.2-ENCOURAGEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF
TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO
IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

The new school environment that has emerged
over the past few years has not only challenged
Galena Park ISD’s long-held standards and
redefined every role in education, it has
revolutionized how district and campus leaders
develop their staff� Because of this, trustees
support and encourage a comprehensive
professional development program in the
district� This program includes all levels of
professional staff from pre-service teachers to experienced administrators�

New teachers in GPISD are included in a three-day academy prior to service� During this
academy, our induction-level teachers are trained on critical pedagogy skills needed for
success in the classroom� Curriculum information and district initiatives are also introduced to
these newest family members during the academy� Our district believes in ongoing support
to retain teachers, so each new teacher is assigned mentors on three different levels� A
campus mentor, a district mentor and a “buddy” mentor work collaboratively throughout the
year to coach their mentee� Through frequent and consistent observations and feedback
sessions, our mentors are able to provide the new teachers with needed support� At this time,
more than 90 percent of first-year teachers are retained for further service in Galena Park ISD�

In addition to professional development before school starts, all teachers are offered
content-based support sessions throughout the school year which focus on the “what &
how” of the curriculum� Pedagogy support sessions are also offered frequently to assist
any teacher who is looking to improve instructional strategies� Our generous board also
encourages and supports training for district-wide initiatives, such as Data-driven Instruction
(DDI)� The development and approval of an annual school calendar, which provides
professional days devoted to teacher planning, allows for the full implementation of the DDI
planning process�

Understanding administrators must now be able to walk in many different leadership styles-
whether it be servant leadership or transformational leadership, the Galena Park ISD trustees
champion district efforts to not only build current leadership’s capacity, but grow new
leaders at all levels throughout its community: initiating a goal of creating a culture in which
leaders develop leaders�

Under the direction of the Board, GPISD offers numerous training opportunities for those
serving in leadership positions and those who wish to advance� Current leaders at all levels
are provided the necessary tools to succeed� District and campus leaders have bimonthly
training sessions where they can collaborate, learn, and be informed� Assistant principals
are trained throughout the month by their respective district-level mentors� Additionally, all

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