NSDC introduces bold new purpose
For the first time, the National Staff Development Council has adopted a bold new purpose that connects professional development and student learning. The purpose also emphasizes that all educators have a responsibility to learn in order to improve student performance.
NSDC's new purpose statement says the organization exists to ensure that "every educator engages in effective professional learning every day so every student achieves."
NSDC followed up its adoption of a new purpose statement with the development of a five-point strategic plan.
Learn more about the plan here.
Go deeper into NSDC's purpose with these columns from Hayes Mizell, NSDC distinguished senior fellow:
- Diversity enriches but requires system support, The Learning System, March 2008
- Begin with ambitious learning goals, The Learning System, February 2008
- Create conditions for collaboration, learning with colleagues, The Learning System, Dec. 2007/Jan. 2008
- Students learn when adults learn, The Learning System, Nov. 2007
- New purpose not for the timid, The Learning System, Oct. 2007
- NSDC has a brand-new purpose, The Learning System, Sept. 2007
Also read about the purpose in these columns by Sue McAdamis, past president of the NSDC Board of Trustees.
More from NSDC Past President Sue McAdamis
"At NSDC, we believe that when educators engage in effective professional learning every day, then students will achieve," said NSDC President Sue McAdamis of Rockwood, Mo. "That belief requires that educators have a clear vision of what such learning will look like in their schools. Once they have that vision, they will be able to become skillful advocates to achieve what they envision. Individual educators can make a profound difference when they believe that all students and teachers can learn and perform at high levels, when they possess a deep understanding of effective professional development practice, and when they consistently and persistently act on these beliefs and understandings.
"We want to make sure that everyone understands that learning is for everyone and that it's all of us learning that will impact student achievement. If educators can really engage in learning every day, then we firmly believe that student learning will improve," McAdamis said.
NSDC's Board of Trustees wrote the new definition for the purpose of the organization as it crafted a new five-year strategic plan to guide the Council's work.
The board shifted from a "goal" to a "purpose" to send a message that NSDC's reason for existence is ensuring effective professional learning, McAdamis said.
"Goals are important because most individuals and organizations believe they are essential for improvement in schools. A purpose, however, is the essence of what we believe and what we are deeply committed to. Our purpose establishes the reason we exist as an organization and focuses on the essence of our work," McAdamis said.
Unlike many other professional associations that exist to promote benefits for the adults who are their members, NSDC's focus is on the results of the work done by the adults who work in schools, even those who are not members.
