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CHARACTERISTICS OF PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Congressional School’s remarkable faculty demonstrate Characteristics of Professional Excellence that reflect our mission, uphold our core values, guide our work, and ensure that we hold ourselves to the highest of standards in service of our students.

OUR TEACHERS...
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Create Highly Effective Learning Environments

maintain high expectations and challenge students
exhibit knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the concepts they are teaching
clearly establish and communicate expectations for student academic performance
create flexible and versatile learning environments that meet students’ needs
foster a learning environment in which students feel safe, happy, and supported
employ dynamic and engaging teaching techniques
are knowledgeable and up-to-date on new teaching methodologies and best practices

Have a Deep Connection to their Students

are dedicated to each student’s intellectual and personal growth
encourage and inspire students to be confident risk takers
employ student-centered, child-empowering methodology
make teaching relevant by seeking connections to student experiences
respect and value the open exchange of ideas

Model the Portrait of a Graduate

are creative problem solvers who demonstrate resilience in the face of challenge
are open and effective communicators
pursue professional growth and a passion for lifelong learning
encourage student integrity and self-advocacy
cultivate community and world-engagement in a way that inspires students to make a difference
are positive role models who lead by example
foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration

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Advanced Degrees Among Our Preschool - Grade 8 Faculty

49%

Preschool - Grade 8 Teachers with Tenure of 5 or More Years

22%

Preschool - Grade 8 Teachers with Tenure of 10 or More Years

11%

Preschool - Grade 8 Teachers with Tenure of 15 or More Years

100%

of preschool - 8th grade faculty participate in professional development and engage with higher learning institutions including:

Harvard University
Stanford
MIT
Columbia University
George Mason University
Georgetown University
University of Virginia

Susie Welty

Preschool Teacher

"I love being there when my students first comprehend an idea or
concept that we are exploring. They get so excited-it’s just adorable.
The best part is when they take that concept and start applying it
independently! Their faces light up with pride. It really is the best
part of my job."

Stephanie Phillips '04

Kindergarten Teacher

"While I was a student at Congressional School, I remember being drawn
to learning because of the enthusiasm demonstrated by my teachers.
I try to model the same excitement in my classroom in hopes that my
students will be eager to explore new things, take risks, and push
themselves to always try their best."

Tim Smith

Learning Specialist

"I enjoy teaching science every year, but this year, some changes have
made it even more rewarding. The science curriculum this year is
structured so that class is three out of every six days. On two of those
days, we focus on the traditional curriculum (units on geology, chemistry,
and physics). On the third day, we have design class, during which
students are engaged in various hands-on engineering challenges."