This is the first time I have been loaded up with lots of summer time professional development. It's interesting work and I'm glad to be a part a wonderful team doing the PD together. The first session, right after school got out was on project-based learning and how to plan a project. This was to train us for working with our Pathway team on creating an "Information Communication and Technology" (or ICT) project for next year. Then after a week off, we returned for another full week of training, learning more about the program and having time to actually plan the details of our project.
Not everyone involved in pathway teams were able to attend, as many teachers can not give up their summer time for various reasons; childcare being a big one. Some teachers don't need a reason, they just won't work over the summer. I had options offered for the time I worked; hourly pay, university credit that costs or district credit that is free, but one can't get paid for it. Credits are needed to advance on the salary schedule. Since I just advanced on that schedule this past year, I don't need credit anytime soon, so I just went for the hourly pay. Luckily for me most everyone on the ICT team attended at least for part of the time offering a lot of valuable time to connect and plan next year's curriculum. I think we are in for a very exciting experience.