At Presbyterian Christian School, our teachers are committed to more than just teaching. They are committed to lifelong learning, even over their summer break. This summer, many of our faculty members dedicated their time to professional development training, sharpening their skills, exploring new strategies and curriculum, and deepening their knowledge in order to better serve our Prek3-12th grade students.
Assistant Head of School for Academics, Dr. Keith Rice, adds that “PCS has made a philosophical and monetary commitment to the professional growth and renewal of our teachers. We believe that an investment in our teachers is ultimately an investment in the success of our students.”
These training opportunities ranged from subject-specific workshops to leadership training and sessions focused on innovative classroom practices. By participating, our teachers ensured they are equipped with the latest tools and research-based methods to make learning engaging, rigorous, and Christ-centered.
Ricardo Moody, our secondary art teacher, traveled to Savannah, Georgia and Paris, France for his professional development and training. Moody shared, “I had the opportunity this past summer to attend two different teacher training sessions. The first was at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, where I joined art teachers from all over the country for a weeklong gathering. We spent two two-day sessions with professors making art, sharing ideas, and learning new approaches to teaching. It was also enriching to be surrounded by great food, beautiful architecture, inspiring art, and warm southern hospitality.
My second adventure was a fast-paced excursion to Paris provided by EF Travels. Upon arrival at the airport, I met up with 36 other teachers from across the United States. It was an incredible experience—everywhere I turned there was stunning architecture, art, food, and history. This trip also helped prepare me for leading students on a trip to Spain in the spring of 2026.”
Our Director of Performing Arts, Kameren Batty, traveled to New York City. Batty shared, “This summer’s immersive experience into the world of Broadway was like nothing I’ve ever seen before! I was blessed to attend the Broadway Teachers Workshop held in the heart of NYC’s theater district. This workshop provided a week full of presentations, practice sessions, and broadway shows that introduced us to the behind the scenes preparation of musicals and plays in the theater capital of the world! I was able to hold one on one conversations with former and current Broadway personnel including: Tony award winners, directors, choreographers, dance captains, leading performers, understudies, costumes, and much more!
The week was saturated with usable information that I’m excited to bring home to our Bobcat Company in order to improve the already high quality and professionalism of our productions. Our students are hungry for high level practice and performance, so I know they will love working with the new systems and practices we will implement.”
Elementary Computer and STEM Teacher, Desiree Pearce, attended multiple professional developments of STEM learning and Robotics. Pearce shared, “This summer I had the opportunity to complete professional development courses through VEX Robotics, including VEX AIM and VEX 123. The VEX AIM course gave me a strong understanding of how robotics connects to real-world STEM careers, preparing me to guide students in exploring engineering, design, and problem-solving skills. The VEX 123 course focused on introducing younger learners to robotics and computer science concepts in an age-appropriate, hands-on way, which will strengthen my teaching in early STEM education. Both experiences deepened my knowledge of robotics integration in the classroom and equipped me with strategies to make STEM engaging and accessible for all of my students.”
PCS’ Secondary Math and Physics teacher, Trevor Dunn, had the opportunity to travel to St. Louis Missori to learn more about AP courses and Physics. Dunn reflects on his travels,“This summer I attended an AP training conference in St. Louis, Missouri to learn how to teach AP Physics. I learned all about the AP process and how to effectively create and teach lessons that align with the AP curriculum. We learned how to create and implement labs and other high-level projects that will help the students master the AP Physics content.”
To begin the 2025-2026 school year, all PCS faculty and staff participated in a week-long Teacher In-Service training. The week opened with a devotion led by Josh Kines of First Presbyterian Church, setting a Christ-centered foundation for the days ahead. Throughout the training, teachers engaged in a variety of sessions designed to meet the needs of each department. Preschool teachers explored Purposeful Play through a Biblical Worldview, elementary teachers focused on Effectively Utilizing Assistant Teachers and Implementing Social-Emotional Curriculum, and upper-grade teachers received training in Apple Classroom and Test Preparation strategies.
Summer Trainings Attended by PCS Teachers:
- SCAD Program-Ricardo Moody
- NYC Drama and Theatre Program-Kam Batty
- AP Human Geography Training- Melinda Moore
- AP Language Training- Ian Pittman
- AP Physics Training and USM Research Program-Trevor Dunn
- Test Prep Training- Morgan Taylor
- Calculus Training- Jennifer Taylor
- Heggerty Training-All K3-1st Grade Teachers
- McGraw Hill Wonders Training- All 2nd-4th Grade Teachers
- STEM Training, VexGo Certification, Vex123, & Vex Aim Certification-Desiree Pearce
- MSU Time is Right Conference, MDE Math Counts Conference, SRESA Making Connections Conference, MSAI Collaborative, & MS Spark AI Conference- Dr. Rebekah Satcher
- UMS-Wright Leadership Training- Brandi Richardson, Jimmy Messer, Dr. Keith Rice, Ginny Graham, & Jenny Brock
We are proud of their dedication, not only because it reflects their personal commitment to growth, but because it directly benefits every student who walks into their classrooms. When our teachers continue to learn, our students are the true recipients.
At PCS, we believe education is a calling, and professional development is one of the many ways our faculty live out that calling. Their investment of time and energy this summer is a reminder that great teaching requires both passion and preparation. We celebrate their hard work and look forward to the impact their training will have on our students throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
