Cindy Douglas

Cindy is currently the Director of Instruction and Professional Development for Grossmont Union High School District in the San Diego, California area. She has spearheaded the implementation of Professional Learning Communities in her district, forging a culture of learning, not just teaching, to the staff. She taught for fifteen years, working extensively with hard-to-reach students and students from poverty backgrounds.

Other experience and honors include:

• Director for new teacher support (BTSA) – Eight years
• Regional Director for BTSA- one of six in California - Two years
• Special Recognition Award from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for her contributions to the field of education
• Teacher of the Year award two different years

At the heart of Cindy's work is a commitment to create a culture of success for all students, particularly those from low-income and disadvantaged situations.

Cindy's workshops:

Professional Learning Communities: A Structure that Works!

Designed as an introduction to Professional Learning Communities, this workshop provides an overview of the foundational components, as well as discussing the incredible impact PLCs have on students when implemented effectively. The workshop will also provide a behind the scenes look at the journey one large high school district has taken to change their culture and structure to a professional learning community. Participants will be provided with both the challenges and successes encountered on this journey and will be able to learn from others' experiences what to do, and what not to do when starting the implementation process. Most importantly, however, participants will leave the workshop with a clearer understanding of why this structure is a winning foundation for both teachers and students and why it is worth going through the "growing pains" to make it happen. It's about students, it's about learning!!

Got Substitutes? Got Training?

If your priority is to ensure that everyday is a learning day for your students, even when there is a substitute teacher in the classroom, then this workshop is designed for you! Substitutes (and potential substitutes) will receive the skills they need to maintain an effective classroom environment conducive to student learning. They will also leave with the appropriate tools to walk into any class and provide a day of "learning" even when there is no lesson plan available. The confidence of your substitutes will increase and the learning they bring to every classroom will be tremendously enhanced. The presenter has been providing substitute workshops for 4 years and has had extremely positive feedback on the impact of these trainings. Substitutes gain skills . . . students gain learning!

Low Income, High Achievement!

“Low Income, High Achievement” is a workshop designed to help teachers, administrators, and site staff work more effectively with students from low-income families. These students represent a huge and growing number in our school population. Learning to understand their world and to work with them in ways that will increase their chances for achievement can break the cycle of poverty for these students. Economically disadvantaged students CAN learn and achieve when the expectations are high and the support is provided. Participants leave the workshop with specific skills to interact with and guide students toward academic and “life” success!

testimonials (PDF)

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