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Professional Learning and Pathways

Adult teacher with grey hair in a ponytail bending down to guide a young student with black and blue braids.a

The Professional Learning and Pathways Department is part of the Office of Teaching and Learning within Portland Public Schools. It plays an integral part in School Performance, Academics, and Student Services. By focusing on equity and student-centered outcomes, professional learning provides educators with the tools to build inclusive, thriving school environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed while supporting continuous growth and career paths for employees.

Contacts

Dr. Loretta Benjamin-Samuels
Senior Director
 
Liz Whitehouse
Administrative Assistant
971-486-6103
 
Janelle Houston
Business Operations Analyst
 
Dawn Gillis
Director, Leader Professional Learning
Dr. Kristin Moon
Director - Teacher Professional Learning
 
Dr. Emily Donaldson Walsh
Program Manager
971-387-6499
 

Professional learning transforms Portland Public Schools into a dynamic learning organization by empowering educators to disrupt racial inequities and prioritize the success of Black and Native students. Designed to be authentic, rigorous, and job-embedded, these learning experiences are intentionally sequenced and grounded in professional standards. Through coaching, modeling, and collaborative learning communities, professional learning cultivates critical reflection, practical application, and continuous growth. Focused on equity and student-centered outcomes, professional learning provides educators with the tools to build inclusive, thriving school environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Our department seeks to cultivate multiple pathways for leaders and educators to expand their career opportunities. We want every PPS employee to want to spend their entire career in PPS - and have multiple, supported possibilities for doing so.

Professional Learning for Classroom Educators, Instructional Coaches, Paraeducators, and School Leaders: ensuring our school professionals have the tools and skills to excel in their current role

Professional Pathways for educators and leaders: our Pathway Programs support PPS staff to find and prepare for their next career step, sometimes in collaboration with local university partners.

Professional Learning Offerings

We are proud to offer learning opportunities for current roles within the district and pathways for staff interested in new roles in Portland Public Schools. Focusing the work on both Educators and Leaders allows development offerings to every level and role within our district so we all can learn to better support the students in our community. Explore Professional Learning Programs in more depth depending on your current/future role.

Spotlight on the Work