Building Better Classrooms by Investing in Teachers at Fall In-Service

Teachers across the Great Hearts Arizona network gathered last week for the annual Fall Faculty In-Service, an afternoon of professional development aimed at helping educators improve their skills in the classroom. After an early dismissal for students, teachers from every academy in the Valley traveled to the campuses of Scottsdale, Arete, North Phoenix, Veritas, and even the home office. The event offered a range of workshops where teachers joined together to sharpen their pedagogical skills, according to Amy Gottry, the Regional Manager of Professional Development in Arizona. “The Fall In-Service was an afternoon of professional development focused on instructional and student support,” she said.

Professional development is a key part of the Great Hearts tradition, where teachers are given the opportunity to develop their teaching strategies and collaborate with colleagues across the network. These sessions are not just about improving technical skills; they are about aligning teachers’ work with the heart of classical education, which seeks to cultivate wisdom and virtue in students.

One of the most important aspects of the In-Service was the variety of workshops available to teachers, offering something for everyone, no matter their grade level or subject. A standout session was led by Dr. Dan Scoggin, co-founder of Great Hearts, who spoke on how teachers can cultivate virtue in their students during his session, “Cultivating Virtue in an Age of Values.” For those focused on more practical classroom skills, sessions like the one led by network instructional coach Christen Arbogast were especially popular. Her workshop on improving third grade reading blocks gave teachers specific strategies for enhancing reading instruction. Participants walked away with concrete ideas to make their lessons more engaging and effective, helping students build essential literacy skills.

Other sessions covered a wide range of topics relevant to teachers’ day-to-day experiences, creating a tailored professional development experience for everyone involved. With workshops held at different campuses, teachers were able to select sessions that best suited their needs, from managing classroom behavior to encouraging critical thinking in students. Topics included:

• Principles of Moral Formation
• Spalding for New Teachers
• Prep Writing Development
• Shifting the Cognitive Load
• Science Modeling
• Artificial Intelligence
• Crucial Conversations
• Socratic Instruction Refresher
• Historical Context for Teaching about Presidential Elections
• Great Hearts Approach to Math Facts Fluency
• Teach Like a Champion
• Supporting 5th-6th Graders
• Satori Alternative to Managing Aggression (SAMA) Assist for School Counselors
• ESS Instructional Strategies for ESS Staff
• Implementation of Online Intervention Platforms for Interventionists

The In-Service wasn’t just about listening to presentations. It was also a chance for teachers to connect and collaborate. Teachers from different schools within the Great Hearts network had the opportunity to share their experiences, swap ideas, and discuss common challenges. These conversations continued outside the workshops, with teachers chatting on their way out, eager to apply what they had learned.

This kind of collaboration is incredibly important in the world of classical education, where shared wisdom and support are vital for success. Teachers often learn best from one another, and the In-Service allowed for that cross-campus exchange of ideas. Many teachers were seen thanking network leaders for organizing such meaningful training sessions, appreciating the chance to be part of this learning community.

Network leaders were also actively involved throughout the afternoon. They facilitated workshops and engaged in discussions with teachers, listening to their feedback and sharing their own insights. The presence of leadership at the training sessions demonstrated Great Hearts’ commitment to investing in its teachers and supporting their growth.

As teachers returned to their classrooms after the In-Service, they brought with them fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for the year ahead. These professional development opportunities not only strengthen individual teaching practices but also build a stronger, more unified Great Hearts network. The collaboration, learning, and growth experienced during the Fall Faculty In-Service will have a lasting impact on both teachers and students.

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