Susan Switzer
Professional Capacity
• Focused Professional Development
As with children, adult learners need to understand the purpose for
learning activities. I believe that using the Illinois Professional Teaching
Standards to drive professional development is valued. I also content
that team building and personal wellness provide contributions to a sound
school climate.
• Peer Collaboration
From enabling peer observations to working collaboratively to create
unique learning extensions for our learners, educators are empowered when
we collaborate. I have experience in prioritizing funding to substitute
coverage to allow for peer observations, using video to record model lessons
for peer critique and establishing family nights for staff to work together
to create learning opportunities for stakeholders out of school day. Each
opportunity contributes to meaningful peer collaboration.
• Continuous Learning
I value ongoing education. I pursue ongoing learning opportunities
including self-serving activities such as yoga and cooking classes to
activities that deepen my understanding of students that I serve such
as Charlotte Danielson’s A Framework for Teaching course and Command Spanish
for educators. By continuously learning, I expand my content knowledge
and reflect on my own instructional strategies.