Introduction to Committees
VESTA is committed to defending teachers’ choices around professional development, and encourages its members to participate in professional development activities that are meaningful and worthwhile in furthering their understandings of teaching and learning. The Professional Development Committee helps organize school union rep training for school-based pro-d chairs, organizes after-school professional development activities for members, and advises the Executive Committee on issues related to professional development.
VBE/VESTA/VSTA Joint Statement on Self-Directed Professional Development
We agree with the following points with respect to self directed professional development activities: Self-Directed Pro D has a valuable role to play in the full complement of a teacher’s professional development. Teachers have a professional responsibility to plan for their Self-Directed Pro D. A written plan will be submitted to the School Pro D Committee in advance of a Pro D day (suggested about two weeks prior). A time-line will be proposed by the School Pro D Committee and approved by the School Staff Committee.The Administrator is a member of the Pro D Committee and has access to those plans. We also agree there are principles which outline best practices for professional development – both self directed and staff organized. These are outlined in the VSB/VTF Pro D Handbook and in a variety of BCTF documents. There are also a variety of resources available to assist in planning in the VSB/VTF Pro D Handbook and documents created by VSTA and VESTA. Agreed-to in Spring 2008 at the district Professional Development Committee.
Current Projects and Resources
Brain-based Research: Bob AitkenAll Kinds of Minds: Dr. Mel Levine
Howard Eaton: Powerpoint slides from January 25, 2005
Quick Links to useful pages:
The VSB Professional Development HandbookInformation Services on the Web
PDOnline
Professional Development Calendar
Provincial Specialist Associations (PSAs)
VSB Professional Development
Introduction to Committees- VESTA Executive Committee
- Aboriginal Education Committee
- Anti-Poverty Committee
- Anti-Racism Committee
- Communications Committee
- Health and Safety Committee
- Pride Committee
Professional Development Committee- Status of Women Committee
- Sustainability Committee
- Teachers on Call Committee
- Working and Learning Conditions/Bargaining Committee
