Learning Never Stops

At PDS, learning truly never stops. For our teachers, for our boys, and for our community, the journey of growth and discovery continues to inspire excellence.

“Our professional development efforts are rooted in our growth mindset,” says Emily Lequerica, Director of Research and Innovation for Boys’ Education. “We challenge our teachers to think differently, embrace new ideas, and share their expertise. This dedication directly impacts the boys, ensuring they benefit from cutting-edge teaching strategies.”

At PDS, learning truly never stops. For our teachers, for our boys, and for our community, the journey of growth and discovery continues to inspire excellence.

This commitment to innovation comes to life through collaborative research trips, immersive learning programs, and partnerships with top-tier institutions. From Harvard’s Project Zero to Crescent School in Canada, PDS teachers have ventured near and far to deepen their knowledge and reflect on their teaching practices.

For example, a visit to The Westminster Schools in Atlanta highlighted opportunities for experiential learning, design thinking, and mindfulness. Similarly, teachers who attended the Henry Ford Learning Institute brought back creative ways to integrate design thinking into project-based learning, encouraging students to engage in reflection, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

These experiences are not just about gaining new knowledge — they are about transformation. When faculty immerse themselves in these opportunities, they return with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of innovative strategies to enhance boys’ learning.

PDS is positioning itself as a research-invested school, elevating teachers to creators of knowledge rather than consumers. Faculty members are encouraged to engage in research that shapes both their professional practice and the broader field of boys’ education.

This year, Jackson Boyd, 5th and 6th science teacher and coach, was selected for the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Action Research Cohort, where he will explore how inclusivity, diversity, and connectedness can help boys thrive in a changing world. “PDS’s investment in its faculty is incredible,” Jackson reflects. “It motivates us to explore new frontiers, collaborate globally, and return as stronger educators.”

PDS faculty don’t just learn — they lead. From presenting at international conferences to hosting local workshops, our teachers are making a mark as thought leaders. At the IBSC Conference in Auckland, New Zealand, faculty showcased the impact of multisensory instruction in motivating young readers. Locally, at the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS) conference, PDS teachers shared innovative approaches to teaching math, writing, and art. As reported in the last issue of PDS Spirit, PDS hosted Building Blocks of Boyhood — the IBSC Regional Conference — where teachers led sessions on character education, outdoor learning, and creative curriculum design. These opportunities reinforce PDS’s role as a leader in boys’ education — not just within our walls, but around the world.

What makes professional development at PDS exceptional is its immediate impact on teaching. Insights gained from these experiences are integrated into classrooms in ways that resonate with how boys learn best — through movement, hands-on exploration, and relational teaching.

Faculty trips to Crescent School (Toronto), St. Christopher’s School (Richmond, VA), and Harvard’s Project Zero have underscored the importance of visible thinking, critical reasoning, and outdoor learning. Teachers have implemented strategies that engage boys’ minds and bodies, foster their emotional development, and build the skills they need for success.

Take the example of multisensory learning in reading instruction or the renewed emphasis on design thinking in math and science classrooms. These approaches ensure that boys don’t just learn facts — they develop skills for life: curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning.

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, PDS’s commitment to professional development is not just about staying current — it’s about leading the way. As our faculty grow, so do our boys. The investment in our teachers ensures that every boy at PDS thrives in an environment where learning is dynamic, engaging, and transformative.

At PDS, learning truly never stops. For our teachers, for our boys, and for our community, the journey of growth and discovery continues to inspire excellence.