Professional Development

We believe the best teachers are reflective, life-long learners and because of this we provide extensive opportunities for professional learning to our faculty at the American School of Barcelona.

ASB provides a variety of ways for teachers to reflect on their craft, learn about the newest educational practices, and learn new approaches and successful strategies from one another. Professional learning at ASB comes in many forms, like individual coaching to peer collaboration, attendance at international conferences and workshops, and learning on site with world-renowned educational experts that have been invited to ASB.

A classroom setting with a teacher standing in front of a group of students seated at desks, engaged in what appears to be a lesson or discussion.

Instructional Coaching
International Learning Collaboratives and Conferences

Instructional Coaching

ASB believes that one of the most effective ways to grow and reflect on our practice of teaching is to work with a coach. ASB is one of few international schools to have three Instructional Coaches and an Innovation Coordinator to support our teachers in having the most current and research-based instructional practices in place. Individual and group coaching is another form of professional learning at ASB. An Instructional Coach works with teachers in each division to refine instructional practices, align curriculum, and provide support and resources.

We also believe we can best study teaching and learning in the classroom setting. That’s why we support a variety of peer visitation and observation structures designed to provide opportunities for teachers to learn from and with one another in the lab of the classroom. At ASB, it is quite common to see teachers visiting one another’s classrooms and/or meeting to review and refine the instruction and student practice they are observing.

International Learning Collaboratives and Conferences

In addition to offering a robust menu of professional learning opportunities for our teachers, we also serve as an international learning hub, regularly hosting workshops and events for educators from around the world.

ASB has also organized a multi-school consortium called the American International Schools in Spain which includes the American School of Madrid, American School of Valencia and the Benjamin Franklin International School. We are able to offer powerful professional learning and opportunities for collaborative learning with educational experts from around the world.

ASB also sends teams of teachers to international conferences as both participants and presenters. Some of these conferences include:
CEESA (Central & Eastern European Schools Association), ECIS (European Council of International Schools), ELMLE (European League for Middle Level Education), and AERO (American Education Reaches Out).

ASB is a community of learners! From the youngest learner to the most veteran teacher, we value reflection, innovation and lifelong learning.

One of the best parts of working at ASB is knowing that our focus is always on professional growth and development. In addition to taking full advantage of the robust on-campus professional development offerings, my leadership journey continues to be supported through attendance at the Principal's Training Center. My continued development is directly attributed to these tremendous growth opportunities, and I am forever grateful.Charmaine Monds, IB Coordinator