The Shipley Magazine
Teaching The Teachers
Strategic Plan Update - Goal #1: Educational Excellence
How is Shipley strengthening students’ ability to engage and lead in an increasingly complex and interconnected world?
The five strategies supporting educational excellence are aimed at equipping students with the skills they will need to thrive and succeed in an increasingly global world, where empathy, critical thinking, and social competencies are essential. In this feature from the Summer/Fall 2023 issue of the Shipley Magazine, we explore how we are addressing these goals through Professional Development for teachers.
Teaching The Teachers
Goals Addressed: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5“Those who teach, must never cease to learn” ~John Cotton Dana
Teaching colleagues engage in weekly professional development within the school day. Through professional learning communities (PLCs), book clubs, structured curricular conversations, and divisional DEI and well-being workshops led by colleagues and outside professionals, teachers are able to continue to learn and grow as educators. Here are a few popular sessions that were led by Shipley colleagues in the 2022-2023 school year.
A Mind for Numbers
Ten Middle and Upper School teachers from the math, science, English, and library departments joined Upper School math teacher Dr. Lisa Chirlian in reading the user-friendly book, A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science, which offers practical advice for helping students develop strategies to improve their problem-solving abilities while also developing their self-confidence in math, science, and beyond.
Developing a Harkness Practice
Learning by doing is how 15 Upper and Middle School teachers of several disciplines spent four professional development sessions this spring. The sessions were led by Upper School history teachers Chris Simpson and Zackaria Gaines, who shared their passion and excitement for the different ways Harkness can be utilized. Teachers read, participated, analyzed, and applied it in this true teachers-teaching-teachers PLC.
The ABCDEs of Emotional Agility
Emotional agility is the ability to notice and savor the pleasant, and learn and grow from unpleasant experiences. It is one of seven domains in Shipley’s Framework for Well-Being. Nick Holton led three workshops to help teachers examine how beliefs about adversity and the consequences of those beliefs may show up in their experiences, equipping them to anticipate the same in their students and help them navigate through.
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Fostering Deep Engagement Across Shipley Classrooms
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Spotlight on the Honors Jazz Combo
The Upper School Honors Jazz Combo, directed by saxophonist Chris Oatts, is Shipley's premier music ensemble and reflects Shipley's dedication to excellence in the arts. The group continually impresses audiences and serves as a pinnacle experience in Shipley's musical learning community.Read More -
Developing Information Literacy
Shipley's Director of Libraries, Jennifer Phiambolis, collaborates with teachers to integrate library research into course projects, fostering students' critical thinking and information literacy skills. This approach empowers students to discern credible information and challenge online misinformation.Read More -
50 Years of Secret Gardens
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Note from Michael G. Turner: Inspiring Lives of Purpose
"Within this [Summer/Fall 2023] issue of Shipley Magazine, we highlight some of the work that has been done in recent years in support of the goals laid out in Vision 20/26. Our progress would be impressive in any light, but accomplishing what we have while navigating a pandemic is nothing short of remarkable."Read More -
Looking Back, Moving Forward: History Curriculum at Shipley
In the pursuit of educational excellence, Shipley's strategic plan focuses on equipping students with the essential skills needed to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. This article delves into how the history curriculum embraces diverse perspectives, promotes global thinking, and offers experiential learning, ultimately fostering students' ability to engage compassionately and lead effectively.Read More -
Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences
In the pursuit of educational excellence, Shipley is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students to become global citizens and compassionate participants in the world. This article explores how Shipley's special programs and partnerships facilitate hands-on, impactful learning opportunities, fostering cross-cultural insights, and making a positive impact in local and global communities.Read More -
SEED: Nurturing Well-Being for Over 30 Years
For over 30 years, Shipley has been at the forefront of nurturing students' social and emotional well-being through its pioneering SEED program. This article explores the program's origins, evolution, and its global influence, highlighting Shipley's commitment to fostering well-rounded, empathetic, and emotionally resilient students in pursuit of educational excellence.Read More -
DEI at Shipley: Cultivating Belonging
Shipley's commitment to educational excellence extends to cultivating a sense of belonging within its diverse community. This article delves into how Shipley has embraced its DEI Strategic Plan, celebrating diversity, providing professional development, and creating affinity spaces to foster inclusivity and unity.Read More -
Teaching The Teachers
This exploration of Shipley's Strategic Plan Goal #1: Educational Excellence focuses on enhancing student engagement and leadership by investing in professional development for teachers. This article sheds light on how dedicated educators at Shipley continue to learn and evolve, emphasizing the importance of staying abreast of best practices to provide students with the highest quality education.Read More -
Goal #2: Community Engagement
At Shipley, a thriving sense of community is central to the School's mission. This article highlights some of the initiatives and events that have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant culture of pride, engagement, and commitment among students, parents, alumni, and friends of the School, all in line with Goal 2 of Shipley's Strategic Plan.Read More -
Meet Chantra Reinmen: Shipley's New Head of Middle School
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.Read More -
Shipley in Full Bloom at The 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show
At the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show, Shipley’s commitment to excellence was on full display through the prize-winning work of the Sprouts, Upper School Horticultural Ecology students, and the Middle School Gardening Club. Shipley alumni also made their mark, with Betsy Hastings Block ’83 and Laura Butera '08 contributing in big ways to the event's success.Read More -
Science Olympiad Teams Earn Medals at State Tournament
Shipley's Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams competed in the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad State Tournament on April 22 at Penn State Altoona. Fourteen teams earned medals during the tournament.Read More -
Shipley Track Competes at Penn Relays
Shipley’s Track and Field team made School history by participating for the first time in the historic Penn Relays at Franklin Fields on April 27-29, 2023. The Gators ran with courage and grace, making a memorable first impression at this year's Penn Relay Carnival. Before the races, the team and coaches made a promise to each other: "Focused teammates, committed to run for each other," and that is precisely how they competed.Read More -
Dr. Harley Givler Named Finalist in Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards
Shipley's very own Director of Bands, Dr. Harley Givler was recognized as a finalist in the 10th Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards. He and the nine other finalists were nominated by current and former students who wrote essays on “How My Music Teacher Changed My Life.”Read More -
Shipley Honors Combo Wins First Place at National Jazz Festival
The Shipley Honors Combo won first place in the Small Ensemble Division 2 category at the National Jazz Festival, held April 22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Trumpeter Aidan Peterson ‘24 won an Outstanding Musician Award and also earned the Judge’s Choice Award.Read More -
Enriching Shipley’s Performing Arts Program
In an effort enrich Shipley’s Theater Arts Program, significant changes are underway, touching every aspect of the program—from personnel to scheduling. Learn more about the exciting changes underway in Shipley's Theater Arts.Read More
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The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.
