Faculty Development
At Austin Prep, professional development is a cornerstone of exceptional teaching and meaningful student growth. Our faculty engage in learning experiences from sabbaticals and collaborative workshops centered on leadership, faith, and student well-being. These opportunities empower our teachers to explore new perspectives and bring innovation back to the classroom. By investing in the continuous growth of our teachers, Austin Prep creates an environment where both faculty and students thrive.
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Summer Sabbaticals Spark Fresh Ideas for the Classroom
Summer Sabbaticals are an investment in our faculty that pay dividends in the quality of instruction our students receive. Recently, Austin Prep faculty members were awarded summer sabbaticals to pursue projects that enrich their teaching and expand opportunities for students!
Mr. Eric Smith, who teaches Middle School theology, traveled to Rome for a pilgrimage during the Jubilee year, visiting Augustinian churches and historic sites such as the Colosseum. His journey deepened his knowledge of Church history and St. Augustine’s legacy.
Ms. Katie Clark, a member of the Art and Design Department, participated in a Broadway intensive in New York City, attending workshops on choreography, staging, and acting, as well as performances and a visit to the Museum of Broadway. She returned with new inspiration for Austin Prep drama classes and productions.
Faculty Workshops
Austin Prep faculty and department chairs engaged in professional development focused on leadership, faith, and student well-being. Through collaboration with Boston College’s Roche Center and insights from counselor Phyllis Fagell, educators strengthened their ability to support both academic excellence and social-emotional growth. These experiences strengthen Austin Prep’s commitment to transformational teaching rooted in mission, innovation, and care for the whole student.
Department chairs participated in this professional development opportunity through the Roche Center for Catholic Education at Boston College's Lynch School of Education & Human Development in 2024.
The Roche Center equips educators to lead with vision through leadership programs, professional development, and collaborative networks rooted in Catholic mission and equity. This experience sharpened our chairs ability to lead with faith and best practices, affirming that at Austin Prep, faculty growth is transformational.
The faculty of Austin Prep welcomed Phyllis Fagell, a nationally recognized counselor and author, for professional development focused on social-emotional learning and the integration of faith, leadership, and innovation.
Faculty learned practical strategies to help students build resilience, manage stress, and navigate the social challenges of adolescence. By applying these tools in classrooms and advisories, teachers foster a supportive environment that enhances student focus, learning, and growth.
Recognized by Boston College as a Model for Catholic Education
Boston College selected Austin Prep as one of a small number of Catholic schools to be featured in a professional multimedia case study through the Transformative Education Lab at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. The project recognized Austin Prep Summer Sabbatical Program as an innovative model for faculty development, teacher retention, and mission-centered education.
Through this collaboration, Boston College highlighted how Austin Prep invested deeply in faculty growth and connected professional learning to stronger classroom experiences for students. The recognition positioned Austin Prep among leading Catholic schools advancing formative education through veritas, unitas, caritas, and a commitment to the growth of the whole person.
By investing in the growth of our faculty, Austin Prep strengthens the experience of every student who walks through our doors. Rooted in the Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas — truth, unity, and love — our teachers bring renewed energy, expertise, and purpose to the work of forming thoughtful scholars, compassionate community members, and faith-filled leaders.