Staff Development Programs
A wide variety of staff development opportunities are available to new and tenured staff. We have several Staff Development Facilitators that work on special programs designed to enhance and improve student learning. Please look at our Professional Development Catalog for a listing of all activities available:
VUSD Professional Development Catalog.
All first and second year teachers in Ventura Unified School District participate in the Ventura County BTSA program. Teachers are assigned a Support Provider who will work with them using the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.
The Beginning Teacher and Support Provider have a coaching partnership using a formative assessment program. Professional growth, support and reflection on best teaching practices are the focuses.
The goal of the BTSA program is teacher growth and student learning. The first year in BTSA concentrates on classroom management and engaging students in learning. The second year teacher works more closely with content standards and assessment. Beginning Teachers and Support Providers meet individually and together as well as attend after school meetings. There are approximately six after school meetings held throughout the school year. The Course of Study are aligned with the prescribed BTSA events. Satisfactory completion of the course of study is required for continuing employment.
COMP - Classroom Organization and Management Program
COMP workshops are offered throughout the school year. Specific areas of classroom management are addressed K-12. This program is designed for all teachers, but we especially encourage new teachers to participate in this series. The following eight topics are presented:
Module 1 Organizing the Classroom
Module 2 Planning and Teaching Rules and Procedures
Module 3 Managing Student Academic Work
Module 4 Maintaining Good Student Behavior
Module 5 Planning and Organizing Instruction
Module 6 Conducting Instruction & Maintaining Momentum
Module 7 Getting Off to a Good Start
Module 8 Climate, Communication and Self-Management
COMP workshops provide the opportunity to develop Teaching Standard #2-Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning This standard is one of the most important building blocks for classroom excellence.