This fall, faculty and staff engaged in meaningful professional development, attending workshops and trainings as well as presenting their expertise at regional and national conferences. These professional development opportunities were made possible by Fund-A-Need contributions from the 2024 Auction.  

Some professional development activities that HRS faculty and staff recently attended included: 

• NWAIS Fall Educators Conference 
• A two-day intensive workshop on the Marilyn Zecher Multisensory Math Approach, which uses Orton-Gillingham strategies in math instruction.  
• On-site Social-Emotional Learning training 

Through professional development leadership opportunities, Hamlin Robinson School also seeks to extend our expertise to the regional and national community. In this Scoop, we’re spotlighting many of these efforts!

Admissions

At the Enrollment Management Association Conference in Boston, Associate Director of Admissions Nikki Kurtz interacted with admissions professionals from across the country. Nikki attended sessions about learning differences and admissions, building inclusive tuition assistance processes, and more.  

At a session on student ambassador programs, Nikki sung the praises of HRS student ambassadors, sharing how they not only act as ambassadors, but also have a role in parent tours. Attendees were impressed with the confidence and capabilities of HRS students!

Art 

Art teachers Emma Cantrell and Melissa Schmoll brought their knowledge of language-based learning differences (LBLDs) to fellow art educators at the Washington Art Education Association Conference.  After sharing myths and misunderstandings about students with LBLDs, Melissa and Emma discussed ways to build an art room that supports these students and ignites their creative potential.  

Melissa also presented at the Progressive Education Network National Conference in Columbus, OH, speaking on “Creativity and Dyslexia in the Art Room.” Through hands-on activities, she helped fellow educators understand how LBLDs impact students physically and emotionally, while sharing approaches for intentionally structuring an art room environment. 

Library 

At the ALSC National Institute in Denver, HRS Librarians Claire Elam and Danielle Melilli presented to an audience of librarians from across the country, sharing strategies for creating supportive library spaces for students with dyslexia and other LBLDs.  

“One of our biggest takeaways from the conference was that all our HRS colleagues should present at every possible opportunity,” said Melilli and Elam. “As HRS educators, we have specialized knowledge and training that others need and want.”

At Hamlin Robinson School, we embrace the idea of the ripple effect. Our faculty and staff take pride in sharing their expertise with the greater community – especially through professional development opportunities. 

When even one educator leaves a conference equipped with new strategies to support students who learn differently, they have the potential to change a student’s life. This is how meaningful change happens. Thank you to our HRS community for supporting these efforts!