For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Hull Public Schools Hosts Successful Professional Development Day on Social-Emotional Learning

HULL — Superintendent Michael Devine is pleased to announce that members of Hull Public Schools participated in a successful build-your-own professional development day focused on social-emotional learning.

On Nov. 6, administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, nurses, counselors, adjustment counselors, reading specialists and English language learner teachers gathered at Hull High School to partake in a series of events throughout the day to expand their knowledge and skills surrounding social-emotional learning.

In 2015, Assistant Superintendent Judith Kuehn implemented a build-your-own style of professional development surrounding technology, which staff found to be most useful. This year, given the district’s focus on social-emotional learning, Keuhn set up a similar training.

“We found that staff was really responsive to this format because it allowed them to tailor their focus to areas that were of most interest to them,” Assistant Superintendent Keuhn said. “This year we wanted to provide a similar experience, and it was great to see the halls and classrooms of Hull High School filled with excited learners and positive energy.”

Dr. Deborah Brady, co-author of “Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom,” which all teachers and administrators are reading this year, led four training sessions throughout the day, and staff were able to choose one to attend. Other sessions allowed staff to collaborate with each other on a meaningful project of their choice, or they could choose to spend the day in facilitated topic-related sessions.

“The Nov. 6 professional development was both informative and interactive,” said first year special education teacher Taylor Vieira. “Each seminar catered to both first-year teachers, like myself, and veteran educators. The presenters were upbeat, and I was able to take away many different strategies that I plan on adopting into my everyday routine in the classroom! I thoroughly enjoyed the day and liked being able to build my own schedule.”

Hull Public Schools staff also presented on relevant topics, sharing their experiences and tips on how to address a number of situations. Adjustment counselors Andrea Centerrino and Ann Sullivan spoke about meeting the needs of students who experience trauma while adjustment counselors Maureen Rosenplanter and Rebecca MacDonald spoke about how to maintain a calm classroom. Middle School Principal Anthony Hrivnak gave a presentation on Twitter for educators and Assistant Superintendent Kuehn and School Psychologist Lauren Snowdale spoke about special education.

“As President of the Hull Teachers Association, I received numerous expressions of gratitude and words of praise from teachers who were pleased with the extensive offerings, the level of expertise and the option to self-select topics of interest,” said fifth grade teacher Deborah McCarthy. “On behalf of the entire association, we want to thank the administration for the opportunity to work collaboratively and collegiality for the betterment of the students in our school district.”

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