The purpose of professional development is school improvement. School improvement occurs where there is ongoing, embedded professional development.

Professional development consists of a number of activities that are designed to improve the knowledge and skills of employees with school improvements being the main goal and are aligned to the Mississippi Learning Forward standards. (More information about the Learning Forward Standards is available at https://learningforward.org/standards-for-professional-learning)

It is the intent of the school district that a professional development program be established that will provide an opportunity for the continuous professional and technical growth of all personnel employed by the school district. Because the professional development program is viewed as crucial to the district's success, all employees are required to participate in the program. Guidelines for the professional development program are continuously refined by state law and regulations promulgated by the Mississippi Department of Education.

The school district's professional development program is designed to improve instruction by providing ongoing professional development opportunities to educators and staff in the district. In addition to the district, each school also develops a professional development plan each year. All plans are based on needs assessments that solicit feedback from teachers, parents, and students, as well as other data collected during the school year.

Please direct any questions about Professional Development to Melissa Garrison at 228-831-5328 or email at mgarrison@harrison.k12.ms.us

HCSD Professional Development
11072 Highway 49
Gulfport, MS 39503
Phone: (228) 831-5328
Fax: (228) 539-6507