Jeff Maher

Director of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development

The Department of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development is responsible for the curriculum and instructional program, as well as the related professional developmen for staff. As such, the department coordinates the curriculum maps, local assessments, and instructional resources to support student learning. In addition, many student programs are coordinated through the office as well as professional development related to the content areas.

Primary Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning/ Curriculum and Instruction-

• Implements the Maryland State Curriculum and Core Learning Goals through the development of curriculum maps and instructional resources.
• Observes teachers, both formally and informally, using the Teacher Performance Assessment System.
• Develops the local preassessments, quarterly assessments, and end-of-course assessments.
• Provides ongoing content area professional development.
• Coordinates the textbook adoption and accountability process for the school system.
• Develops the Programs of Study for each level.
• Serves on Technical Assistance Teams and various other school system committees.

 Professional Development-

• New Teacher Induction - ongoing support, seminars, and programs for new teachers in their first three years;
• Mentor Teacher Program – provides training and support for mentors as part of the three-year teacher induction program;
• Instructional Resource Teachers – provides leadership and professional development for IRTs;
• Leadership Development – programs for all levels of leadership, including teacher leaders; aspiring leaders, new leaders, and current leaders;
• School-based Professional Development – provides site-specific staff development based on school improvement needs;
• Coursework and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs – credit-bearing workshops and courses for in-service teachers;
• Professional Development Schools (PDS) support – collaborative programs with local colleges and universities for pre-service and in-service teachers;
• System-wide programs – coordination and development of professional development in support of school improvement initiatives; andSupport Staff Training – supports ongoing training for support staff in collaboration with other offices.

Direct Reports see Directory

St. Mary's County Public Schools
Department of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development
23160 Moakley Street
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Phone: 301-475-5511 FAX: 301-475-4229