Comments from Participants
To be surrounded by so many like-minded souls was one thing but then the calibre of the teaching was the other!! Absolutely value for money - and I paid for most of it myself! This year I am job searching and so I was looking for an Assistant Principal position after three years in the same job. I have ended up getting the perfect job and one of their questions was about whether I had done any of the PTC courses. You are so well respected out there in the International teaching world. PTC participant
I accepted the position of Curriculum and Accreditation Coordinator at a new school. I want to say thanks because much of what I have done over the last few years and much of what I said in the interview process stem from my 4 weeks in Miami back in 2011. The reading and work I have done since then are directly related to everything I took away from those courses, which led me to this position. I am pretty certain you get a number of these notes every month but nonetheless, I wanted to pass on a sincere thanks to you and everyone at the PTC.I do hope to get back someday. PTC participant
I studied at the PTC two summers ago. I just wanted to thank you for such great classes and training. Next year I have received the position of Elementary School Dean here at (my school) and I contribute most of my success to the high quality training, professional development, and professional network you have created/provided at the PTC. Thank you so much and I will definitely be back for more classes. PTC participant
‘You have helped me become aware of the many facets of my new position which I will begin very soon. I have become aware of my role as a leadership and that I will have to build and share leadership in the school.’ PTC participant
‘I have just finished my 4th institute session and I graduated last night (Yay!). The strategies and skills I have learned through collegial learning with peers with the trainers at the helm, have set me up to be able to cope with the next phase of my career as an Asst Principal (and perhaps onwards as Principal).’ PTC participant
‘This was a thoroughly rewarding experience. I've gained new ice breaker strategies, gained insights into myself and my school and made new friends and connections.’ PTC participant
‘One of the best courses I have been on -- relevant and timely for me. I wish my whole admin team were here! Thank you!’ PTC participant
‘Fabulous experience - amazing to see how well a 7-day course can be run - inspirational in how well paced the course was done. Will definitely be coming back as have learnt so much.’ PTC participant
‘A very enjoyable and meaningful experience. Has raised my level of awareness of how to implement a curriculum to a whole new plateau.’ PTC London participant
‘What a brilliant and breathtaking experience for my school … the experience I can relate to our situation with confidence.’ PTC participant
‘it is rare to find a presenter who not only has expertise but who also models the strategies when presenting. The other rare qualities of the presenter were the humor that kept us interested and the humanity that inspired us. The course ultimately was about her empowering us as individuals.’ PTC participant
‘I found this course stretched my thinking. The PLC created during the week was both supportive and enjoyable. I have a clear sense of how some of these strategies can be implemented in our school to create an effective PLC.’ PTC London participant
‘I found the practical examples, scenarios and opportunities to practice and role play to be very useful in developing my skills.’ PTC London participant
‘I thought that the whole structure of the course actually helped me to develop my leadership skills step by step. I liked how we learned and then did something practical (conversation, role play, game, etc.) The homework was well chosen. The literature helped me to get a deeper understanding of the content.’ PTC London participant
I am still unfolding all the knowledge I have gained over the summer this year and just wanted to let you know that Shaun is a GOLD MINE!! I wish there was a way that we could clone him or make a copy of his brain into a USB drive! Thanks so much for such a well put together conference! CTC participant
‘This week has helped me better understand what it means to be a leader. More importantly, it has helped me to be more aware of my potential as a leader in the school.’ PTC London participant
‘This was a most enlightening experience, which highlighted several areas in which I feel I do well, but more importantly several others in which I need to improve. I now feel better equipped to do so!’ PTC participant
‘It has been a totally stimulating, thought-provoking experience - not just regarding learning about leadership but also to learn so much about the international schools' world.’ PTC London participant
‘The environment has been fantastic, meeting people from all over, there is enough time to learn and to compare.’ PTC participant
‘Thank you for the most revelatory, information rich workshop I have been to. You are STARS !! TTC participant
‘What an amazing experience that provided in depth insight to my own style of leadership and offered positive alternatives to improve my department.’ TTC participant
‘The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and readily available to answer questions. They were personable, had a sense of humor and very passionate about their subject. I'm very glad I had the opportunity to do this before embarking on the job of university counselor and therefore saving myself from making some serious mistakes.’ CTC participant
‘Wow, wow, wow. Your work with us will benefit many students for a lifetime.’ CTC participant
‘What an incredible group of people! It has been a richly rewarding week of learning in all aspects of school functioning given the wide range of experience (and willingness to share it!) from all participants.’ PTC participant
‘Honestly, before this course, I really didn't understand assessment. Whenever we talked about it in staff meetings or small groups, I tuned out, got bored, and kept checking my watch. Now, I see how assessment is very important. Bambi helped me see the big picture and where I fit in. I will take back so many things that will improve the student learning in my school. This course helped me to really and truly keep my vision and practice student-centered. I appreciate the chance to come and work with all the collective wisdom of my classmates, too. This has been a great experience. This class has empowered me to be ready to take on a leadership role in the future. It wasn't easy, but it is definitely important and impactful.’ PTC participant
‘This has been the first time I have smiled since I was here a year ago. I consistently feel challenged and affirmed in my practice during the session. As soon as I overcome my emotional reactions to school issues, I will be equipped to run an outstanding learning institution.‘ PTC participant
‘Relevant topics and discussions...lots of good info. But not overwhelming! The final task is doable and will be put to use.’ PTC participant
‘This is my 8th course at the TTC and the reason for that is the up-to date courses offered. Sharing experiences with teachers and educators from several different countries contribute to exchange ideas, strategies and it has helped me in teaching, growing professionally and in having the best classroom practice.’ TTC participant
‘This course managed to supply both broad vision and local application. I deeply appreciate getting a sense of theory as a base and that it was continually connected back to the role of a leader. The simplicity aspect - the who, the how, etc. - helped us create a framework and the ongoing review and reference to the framework helped to clarify our ideas in terms of the big picture. Before I came, I was concerned that I would be filled with curriculum dogma and be hobbled by it. I now see how I can CALMLY go about improving student learning through thoughtful reflection on curriculum and teaching practices. The strategies and the subsequent reflection on the strategies themselves was appreciated - this is the first year I really copied them down in an orderly way. The group work was well defined and the timing was just right. Just like any learner, I was also glad to have a chance to laugh.’ PTC participant
‘This course gave me a stronger knowledge base to take back to my school and has deepened my understanding of curriculum. It has given me some ideas of practical ways that I can move forward with some curriculum related issues at our school. It has helped me to focus on what some of our strengths are and how we can build on these. It has helped to alleviate the feeling of "panic" that I sometimes feel when I think we are not moving forward fast enough. I appreciated the time that we were given to have some really in depth discussions in groups rather than constantly be cut off.’ PTC Miami participant
‘This is my 7th TTC course and it is a great experience. It's a quality PD program with effective training and trainers full of expertise that guarantee learning and improvement.’ TTC participant
‘This course has renewed my passion for counseling and re-focused me on motivating myself to be the best counselor I can be. After this I want to complete my CIC counselor's certificate.’ CTC participant
‘This was just so great. I met mentors, critical friends, inspirations, and clearly lifelong friends. I learned lots about what myself and what I need to do. And best, I felt that I was not alone in my anxiety and fears about my new role and completely supported by my trainer and peers.’ CTC participant
‘The PTC is an incredibly well-organized and well-thought out professional development organization. It is a powerful tool for leaders to learn about our profession, to connect with other leaders, and to reflect on our practices. Truly amazing.’ PTC participant
‘ My confidence in my ability to do my job as assistant principal has grown tremendously. I feel that, despite my lack of experience, I have the tools to be effective in my new job. I can't wait to come back next year for further professional growth and networking. Thanks!’ PTC participant
‘I continue to be amazed at how the PTC manages to present large school programs that are also applicable and useful at the classroom level.’ PTC Miami participant
‘I found this course stimulating and eye opening. What worked was a variety of activities, direct modeling of each task, congruency with clear objectives and alignment of each day's work to targets and review of these to decide if, how they were accomplished. Working with different scripts and some physical and visuals supported this process.’ PTC Miami participant
‘I had an amazing week. I came in nervous about my ability to effectively engage in difficult conversations but now I feel strong, empowered, courageous and eager to take them on. Great strategies, great advice, great learning, great course!!’ PTC Miami participant
‘The information that you have given me is what I believe to be some of the best available. That is why I will always come back to the PTC. Simply put, it provides quality learning for myself that I can take back to a wider community and with respect improve, for the sake of our children.’ PTC Miami participant
‘Wow! I have never attended a workshop/class before that gave me so much to work with. Usually you come back with maybe one of two things to share, but after this week, I hope I can remember all! Thank you for a week of total professional growth.’ PTC Miami participant
‘In general, this course has answered or let's say has been an eye opener in all the doubts/concerns that I had and handed in the first day of the course. Now I have to put a few things in practice!! The examples, hands on activities, content and personal stories are already making me reflect and analyze myself as a leader as well as a person when being with others and when working alone.’ PTC participant
‘This course exceeded my expectations!!! The content not only further develops effective school leaders...in fact, everything introduced can be also be applied to LIFE. These are great strategies and principles that foster positive relationships with colleagues in the workplace, friends, and family. This has proven to be a dynamic course in itself, introducing us to a wealth of valuable resources across a wide variety of media formats. I am looking forward to implementing this knowledge at my school, as well as in my life!’ PTC participant
‘The ability to talk about our ideas, problems, and concerns with each other. It was all very organic. The table conversations and what I was able to learn from the peers I was sitting with was often equally as helpful as what the instructors were sharing. It gave me a good gage of where my school is at in comparison to others and what I needed to do to get where I was going.’ PTC participant
‘Thank you for the wonderful experience. From start to finish and top to bottom, the PTC program is truly the best professional development anyone can experience.’ PTC participant
‘Another first-rate professional development offering. Thanks for keeping us on the cutting edge.’ PTC participant
I accepted the position of Curriculum and Accreditation Coordinator at Qatar Academy Sidra, a new school in Doha. I want to say thanks because much of what I have done over the last few years and much of what I said in the interview process stem from my 4 weeks in Miami back in 2011.
The reading and work I have done since then are directly related to everything I took away from those courses… which led me to this position.
I am pretty certain you get a number of these notes every month but nonetheless, I wanted to pass on a sincere thanks to you and everyone at the PTC. I do hope to get back someday.
