Elementary school counselor, Mrs. Laura Gibson, and Elementary school art teacher, Mrs. Patti Pelham, led a breakout session about preventing burnout and reducing stress. They led a bilateral drawing exercise to demonstrate an easy way to reset and promote emotional regulation. Bilateral drawing is a mindfulness technique that involves using both hands simultaneously to make marks on paper to calm the nervous system and promote mental balance.

On Tuesday, October 14th, Saint James School faculty participated in our Professional Development Day. All teaching faculty, across all divisions PreK2-12th grade, attended teacher-led workshops, sessions, and talks. From topics ranging from technology in the classroom to mindfulness, our teachers were able to not only strengthen knowledge to be effective in the classroom, but also rejuvenate them to best care for students’ hearts.

Dr. Sallye York, STJ Director of the Arts, led an interactive session about forming relationships with students. All teachers strive to connect with students and form a team out of a classroom.

Throughout the year and over the summer months, our teachers participate in a variety of conferences, seminars, and workshops to develop skills and enhance student outcomes. These activities help educators refine their strategies, learn new methodologies, and stay current with best practices. Our teachers have learned from experts all over the country (and the world!), so the brought their knowledge back to campus to share with colleagues. Twenty of our teachers led breakout sessions and shared their experiences to benefit our entire staff. Teachers received a professional development certificate of completion, which goes toward the required state certification requirements.

At Saint James, we are focused on the important calling we have as educators. Our purpose is to build up every child from the inside out, to encourage each heart, to build character, and to elevate potential. #wearesaintjamesschool

Cultivating School Spirit On and Off the Field

Intro to Canvas for Teachers

Teach Like Walt Disney

Kahoot in the Classroom

Walking Your Way to Better Health

Drama Without Drama! Using Reader's Theater in Every Classroom

Orton-Gillingham in Action!

OnCampus, On Purpose!

John Wooden's Pyramid of Success

Discovering New Features in Seesaw

Building a Team Out of a Classroom- Focusing on Student Relationships

Fun and Challenging Learning Center

Using Thematic Units in a Preschool Classroom

Preventing Burnout! Teacher Self-Care Strategies

Constructing Effective Assessment Best-Practices

Conflict Resolution, Self-Regulation, and Classroom Management

Coaches Wear Many Hats

Developing Cross-Enrichment Units

You Could be the One! Creating Positive Relationships with Students

Cultivating School Spirit On and Off the Field Intro to Canvas for Teachers Teach Like Walt Disney Kahoot in the Classroom Walking Your Way to Better Health Drama Without Drama! Using Reader's Theater in Every Classroom Orton-Gillingham in Action! OnCampus, On Purpose! John Wooden's Pyramid of Success Discovering New Features in Seesaw Building a Team Out of a Classroom- Focusing on Student Relationships Fun and Challenging Learning Center Using Thematic Units in a Preschool Classroom Preventing Burnout! Teacher Self-Care Strategies Constructing Effective Assessment Best-Practices Conflict Resolution, Self-Regulation, and Classroom Management Coaches Wear Many Hats Developing Cross-Enrichment Units You Could be the One! Creating Positive Relationships with Students