GRACE Program FAQ
What is the GRACE program?
GRACE is a program for outstanding teachers who want to share their expertise and talents with other teachers in their schools. Teachers receive training in various aspects of teacher leadership to become instructional leaders in their schools.
How often do GRACE teacher leaders attend Archdiocesan meetings?
Teacher leaders attend a two-day summer forum with their principal in June. Additionally, they attend two to three full day meetings during the school year at a school located within their region of the Archdiocese. Finally, they participate in three one-hour online meetings with other teacher leaders in their region.*
*COVID 2020-2021 has altered this schedule to take place only after the school day, typically 3:30-5:00pm.
What is the time commitment for GRACE teacher leaders?
In addition to attending GRACE meetings, teacher leaders are expected to collaborate with their principals to lead one staff collaboration meeting per month at their schools.
Are GRACE teacher leaders compensated for their time?
Most schools choose to compensate their teacher leaders, but this is determined at the local level.
What training and professional development will I receive as a GRACE teacher leader?
GRACE trainings currently focus on the following competencies: (1) Understanding how to work with adult learners, (2) Facilitating professional learning communities, (3) Analyzing and interpreting data, including MAP assessment data, and (4) Using protocols to structure meaningful professional learning.
In the future, we hope to also offer training in the following areas: (1) Mentoring new teachers, (2) Observing other teachers and providing feedback (instructional coaching), (3) Using technology effectively, and (4) Content- area specific training.
If I join the GRACE program, how long will I be expected to stay in the program?
We ask that all GRACE teachers make an initial two-year commitment to fully benefit from the program. After two years, teachers are invited to continue with the program but may also choose to complete the program at that time.
What do current teacher leaders say about the program?
“The GRACE Teacher Leadership program has helped the Archdiocese of Seattle begin a culture shift that only working in true PLCs can offer. It has encouraged us to unify our approach to professional development as we work to inform and improve our individual and collective practices.”
“The GRACE program has given me the opportunity to both learn and lead. I think that both are vital pieces of leadership. I have learned how to put best practices into my teaching life, and I have grown as a leader, helping teachers in my school and my region, and leading by example. I love the opportunity to collaborate with other schools. It is exciting to see schools that are steps ahead of ours and to learn from their experiences. It is also empowering to give structure and share ideas with those who are steps behind us. Each school is very different. We are all at different places in this process. The beauty of GRACE is that we can still share ideas and learn from each other. We can still come together through in-person and online meetings to collaborate. GRACE has empowered teachers to lead in our schools.”
For video testimonials, and to see teacher leaders in action, click here.
How can I find out more about the program?
If you’d like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Justyna King at the Office for Catholic Schools at justyna.king@seattlearch.org
.