Investing in Growth: Professional Development Days Energize Faculty and Staff

On September 18 and 19, Taipei American School set aside two full days for professional development, underscoring its commitment to lifelong learning not only for students, but also for faculty and staff. 

Support staff began their sessions with training in essential safety practices, including CPR and first aid, fire safety procedures, and child safeguarding. In line with government regulations, many faculty and staff also completed General Safety and Health Education, ensuring that TAS continues to meet the highest standards of workplace safety and care. 

Faculty engaged in a wide range of learning opportunities designed to enrich classroom practice and strengthen curriculum alignment. Thanks to different administrator and faculty presenters, TAS offered 17 different workshops over the course of the PD days, allowing for educators to upskill in the areas most relevant for their particular role and needs.  

Through workshops such as Identity & Proximity, AI in Action, and Designing Authentic Assessments, teachers explored evidence-based strategies for differentiation, assessment, and inclusive instruction. Upper School faculty also examined how Universal Design for Learning and Tier 1 instruction can support students across every pathway from Advanced Placement, the International Baccalaureate, and the American high school diploma. 

Collaboration was a key theme throughout the two days. Time was intentionally structured for departmental planning, UbD (Understanding by Design) teamwork, and cross-divisional sharing. These sessions allowed teachers to align curriculum, moderate student work, and celebrate progress as they continued to strengthen the academic and co-curricular experiences that define a TAS education. 

Even wellness had its place, with an optional TigerBarre class after the workday concluded, offering a chance for employees to recharge through movement and mindfulness before heading home. 

At TAS, professional development is about more than compliance or skill-building. It is about embodying the mission to cultivate an enduring commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service. By investing in faculty and staff growth, TAS ensures that every learner is supported by a community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and care.