The Pasadena Independent School District recognizes that quality staff development is he key to long-lasting school improvement. The district is committed to a comprehensive, results-driven staff development program for all employees. Staff development programs include workshops, courses for university credit, study groups, classroom or school-wide research, internships, and peer coaching. Follow-up activities that connect what has been learned in training programs to daily work life are available. The Pasadena ISD staff development progam is designed to increase the probability of employee success in an ever-changing world.

Training for Shared Decision-Making
Pasadena Independent School District is committed to the concept of decentralization and shared decision-making. The extension of leadership to all staff members requires that decision-makers have a similar informational base. To enhance the quality of decision-making, the same instructional and leadership training is available to both teachers and administrators.

Effective Teaching Practices
To ensure that the staff has the theoretical and informational basis necessary for success, all newly-hired teachers and instructional support employees complete within the first year of employment a district-sponsored course entitled "Effective Teaching Practices." Topics include classroom management, district history and philosophy, cultural diversity, lesson planning, technology, diversity of learners, effective instruction, classroom climate and assessment.

The requirement is waived for employees who show evidence of successful completion of a previous course of study with the same objectives or who demonstrate mastery of the course objectives.

Peer Coaching and Mentoring
Pasadena Independent School District teachers and administrators have a unique opportunity to increase their own work satisfaction while assisting interns and colleagues in professional growth. Through peer coaching and mentoring, systematic on-the-job training and retraining are provided. There is a district expectation for continued growth of all staff members.

Training of Trainers
To guarantee a strong base of district expertise in priority areas, staff members are selected to receive in-depth training from experts in the field. Trained staff members desseminate the training on a needs basis throughout the district. The training of trainers model provides for the development of leadership skills and instructional expertise.

Alternative Teacher Certification Program
Individuals who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and who meet grade point and basic skills requirements may be considered for participation in the Alternative Certification Program. This program provides an opportunity for cerified and non-certified individuals to earn teaching certificates. Each selected applicant is assigned a classroom as the teacher of record and works under the supervision of a mentor teacher for one year. After completing required course work, passing the appropriate EXCT tests, and receiving a favorable recommendation from the mentor teacher and the principal, certification is awarded.

Alternative certification is available only in specified certification areas. Contact the Human Resources Office for specific areas currently covered by the program.

Continuing Education
The Pasadena Independent School District lies in the center of a higher education complex which offers teachers and their families abundant opportunties to further their education.

The University of Houston/Clear Lake, San Jacinto College and the Texas Chiropractic College are all located within Pasadena city limits.

The University of Houston/Clear Lake is an upper level educational facility offering bachelor and master degrees in a variety of fields, including education. The San Jacinto system of three campuses around Harris County is one of the largest public colleges in Texas. The dynamic community college offers a full junior college curriculum, including vocational programs.

Pasadena is within easy commuter distance of the University of Houston main campus, Rice University and 11 other distinguished institutions of higher learning located in the county.