Teachers
Cornerstone Prep engages in extensive searches to vet exemplary
teachers. Teachers hold at least a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in
Elementary Education or a related field.
Teachers believe in the Cornerstone
Prep vision and are able to receive feedback from the Executive Director
and
Principal to become a better instructor.
Once employed, teachers receive 3-4 weeks of Professional Development
training prior to the beginning of the academic year. During this time,
teachers are indoctrinated into the school culture and academic foci of
the
school.
As explained by Dr. Howard Fuller of the Black Alliance for
Educational
Options, “you have to build the culture first or you will never get to
the academics[1].”
In the early years of the school, teachers visit high performing charter
schools after which Cornerstone Prep is modeled. As the school grows,
Cornerstone Prep will be able to model the culture to newly hired
teachers and
staff without visiting other schools.
Video documentation is also used to
illustrate the Cornerstone Prep culture. During the summer Professional
Development, teachers are taught how to create standards-based daily
lesson
plans, daily "Do Now" activities,
chapter/unit assessments, and homework activities.
While teachers may come to
Cornerstone Prep with the knowledge of creating lesson plans and other
classroom activities, more in-depth instruction on standards-based
instruction
and assessment is provided.
To further facilitate teacher growth and development,
Cornerstone Prep teachers participate in weekly individual and common
planning
time as well as monthly Professional Development activities.
During common
planning time, teachers gather to discuss challenges, concerns, or
praises for
student achievement. Teachers may also grade assignments, review and
grade
homework, or call/meet with parents. These weekly planning sessions
allow for
immediate adjustments to be made to lessons and instructional delivery.
The
Professional Development time may be used to analyze data from interim
tests.
In addition to instructional excellence, Cornerstone Prep seeks
specific qualities in a teacher. These qualities include the willingness
to
have frequent, honest dialogue regarding the academic status of
students.
Further, Cornerstone Prep seeks teachers who can evaluate test
results and
implement remedies to aid students who are not mastering content.
Cornerstone Preparatory School provides a great deal of
feedback to teachers. This includes weekly classroom observations
conducted by
the Principal as well as feedback based on student performance on
assessments.
Feedback may be delivered in a formal or informal setting.
Cornerstone Prep supplies teachers with the tools necessary to
enhance preparation, organization, and presentation of information,
including
computers, easy access to copying and printing, audio/visual equipment,
and
teacher space.
[1]Presentation by Dr. Howard L. Fuller at Building
Excellent Schools on November 18, 2006.