Teaching and Learning Reorganized, Professional Learning Expanded

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The changes include expanding the Professional Learning Department and reorganizing the Schools Office and Teaching and Learning Department.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Faviola Cantú recently issued organizational changes to support Aldine ISD’s efforts to achieve the goals and enhance learning and professional development.

Cantú shared that in ’23-’24, the district focused on three key things: Differentiated Support for Students, a Crystal Clear Response to Data, and a Robust Professional Development Plan.

The changes result from feedback from campus visits, meetings, and conversations about the need for a solid professional development plan, which were reiterated as the critical lever to support all other priorities. Cantú added that even as leaders began developing a new strategic plan, professional development for all employees continued to lead the conversation.

“These changes will offer a realignment to departments in both Teaching and Learning and the Schools Office so that all staff, especially teachers, can access meaningful, differentiated, and hands-on support tailored to their specific needs,” said Cantú.

Changes

The district will be expanding the Professional Learning Department to bring synergy to the work every Aldine ISD department is doing.

AISD will strengthen the Professional Learning Department by moving all employees who provide coaching and training to leaders into one area — ensuring all resources are synced and coordinated.

• Dr. Rachel Alex will assume the Executive Director of Professional Learning and Leadership Development title. Her work with aspiring leaders and first-year assistant principals and principals will continue. She will also focus on how school leaders are developed and strengthened as instructional leaders while focusing on districtwide professional development plans.
• Christopher Walker, who will join the department as Director of Leadership Development, will provide ongoing leadership development for instructional coaches, as well as campus and central office leaders.
• The Director of Professional Learning-Elementary (pending a grant award from the Schusterman Foundation) and Director of Professional Learning-Secondary, Anetta Modest, will monitor and support the district’s content area coaches. In addition to providing feedback and support, she will provide coaching and real-time training on the art of coaching.
• Suzanna’ Suzy’ García will continue to serve as the Director of New Teacher Support. She and her team are responsible for SHINE (Supporting, Honoring, Inspiring Novice Educators) and other initiatives that offer ongoing support to new Aldine ISD teachers. The Program Director of New Teacher Support, Gwendolyn Lockett, will now serve as Program Director of Professional Learning.
• Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Lindsey Wise has been working directly to strengthen resources, training, and support around professional development. She will be at the forefront of this expansion and realignment process. Her official oversight includes professional development, library media services, and Response to Intervention (RtI). She is also responsible for ensuring coherence across Teaching and Learning.

“These changes are driven by our unwavering commitment to providing every educator with the necessary resources and support to excel in their roles, ultimately enhancing our students’ educational experience and achievement,” said Cantú.

In the coming weeks, Cantú added that staff would see significant enhancements and changes designed to implement a vision and system for providing professional development that balances instructional and administrative leadership focused on effective instructional practices, data-driven instruction, and school culture. The changes will be implemented in phases, with specific timelines and communication plans to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to our operations.