The Fund sees teachers and school leaders as committed professionals who require, and deserve, ongoing opportunities for learning and improving their craft. Research clearly shows that the key to improving student achievement is improving the quality of instruction in the classroom, and of leadership in the school and throughout the district. Throughout our history, the Fund has offered professional development opportunities that underscore our fundamental belief that Baltimore’s students deserve to be taught and guided by professionals who are encouraged and supported in their own continuous learning.

School-Based Professional Development Services. The Fund’s professional development services are research-driven, standards-based models for creating and managing highly effective learning environments in which all students and teachers have the opportunities to succeed. Our programs emphasize differentiated instruction, and a school-wide culture of collaboration and accountability to achieve the goal of learning for all students. Our school-based support includes:

• Leadership Development. The Fund provides principal and leadership coaching to school leaders throughout Baltimore City. We engage in side-by-side coaching, helping these individuals become stronger instructional leaders of their schools. We also help schools build effective leadership teams...  Read More

• Achievement First. Our signature literacy reform model, Achievement First is a partnership between a school and the Fund to build the capacity of educators to improve student achievement. It includes job-embedded professional development for up to four days per week, as well as ongoing support for principals in instructional leadership...  Read More

• Focused Learning Institutes. Our Institutes offer a year-long combination of workshop training and customized, school-based professional development support. Our goal is to provide schools with the opportunity both to learn from best practices, and find ways to implement those practices in real-time...  Read More

• Customized Services. The Fund works with schools and the district to design targeted professional development services. For example, we have: supported the development of schools’ professional development plans; helped schools design programs for their professional development days; and presented at district-sponsored programs for teachers or principals.

District-Based Leadership Development.  As part of our mutual commitment to developing human capacity resources at the district, the Fund and City Schools work closely on leadership development activities... Read More