Teachers across Davis School District set aside their classroom preparations last week to focus on something just as important: their own learning.
The district’s annual Educator Kickoff brought together thousands of elementary and secondary teachers for professional development held at multiple high schools. With more than 80 sessions to choose from, teachers had the chance to dive into strategies that fit their needs — from building stronger student engagement to finding fresh approaches to classroom instruction.
“I love that we’re the profession that makes all other professions possible,” Superintendent Dr. Dan Linford said. “We’re the ones that train all of the other professions.”
For Woods Cross High School teacher Roxey Catanzaro, the kickoff is more than a training day — it’s a way to recharge and recommit to her students.
“Because I always want to be better and I love trainings like this because I get new ideas and new ways how I can engage the kids, and I don’t want to let them down,” Catanzaro said. “I like to be able to choose where my weaknesses are so I can go to a class that will help that, and see what I need to know that will help me be better.”
District leaders said that’s exactly the purpose of the event: to give teachers space to grow.
“I think in any profession it’s important to grow professionally, and we as teachers need that same option,” said director of teaching and learning T.J. Strain. “We sometimes tend to get into a rut … it’s important that we’re always trying to get better and use different approaches.”
With the school year now underway, educators say they’re bringing back new ideas, strategies and energy into their classrooms — all with students at the center.