Professional Development Weeks 2026: Ready for a year of quality and growth

News

Before the 2026–2027 academic year officially began, UTS teachers and staff came together for Professional Development Weeks 2026 – two weeks dedicated to learning, connecting, and preparing for the journey ahead. At UTS, a quality learning experience for students always begins with the continuous growth of the educators who support them.

UTS educators come together around a shared educational vision 

Professional Development Weeks (PD Weeks) is an annual professional development programme at UTS, providing an opportunity for the entire team to reflect on achievements, update their knowledge, share experiences, and align on key priorities for the educational journey ahead.

The programme began with a whole-school gathering that brought together the UTS community. During the event, educators who demonstrated dedication and made meaningful contributions throughout the 2025–2026 academic year were recognised for their efforts and impact in nurturing students’ talents.

Addressing all teachers and staff, Ms. Anita Spittle – Head of School at US Vietnam Talent International School – reaffirmed UTS’s educational philosophy, vision, mission, and theme for the academic year, ensuring that every educator shares a common understanding and commitment to the School’s goals.

Continuously enhancing the quality of teaching and learning

A key focus throughout Professional Development Weeks was strengthening the team’s professional capabilities and further enhancing the quality of educational practice.

The training sessions explored practical questions that educators encounter every day in the classroom: How can we establish and maintain positive expectations? How can we design a classroom environment that encourages students to become independent learners? How can we identify students’ different needs and provide the right support for each of them?

Nurturing a growth mindset in every educator 

If students are encouraged to continuously explore, learn, and grow, the educators who accompany them on that journey must embrace the same mindset.

Through sessions on “Growth Mindset” and “Peer Learning,” the UTS team explored how to build a culture in which every member believes in their ability to keep learning, adapting, and developing.

Đội ngũ UTS cùng học hỏi và chia sẻ qua các chuyên đề

The UTS team learns and shares through professional development sessions

The programme also provided opportunities for teachers to learn directly from one another – asking questions, sharing effective practices, discussing real-world challenges, and exploring solutions based on their collective experience.

The spirit of “Lifelong Learning,” one of UTS’s Core Values, is reflected in every educator’s willingness to reflect on their own practice and continuously seek better ways to support students.

Tinh thần “Học tập suốt đời”, một trong những giá trị cốt lõi của UTS

“Lifelong Learning” is one of UTS’s core values

Technology for future-focused education 

As technology and artificial intelligence continue to rapidly transform the way the world learns and works, preparing education for the future was also an important focus of this year’s Professional Development Weeks.

Có thể là hình ảnh về một hoặc nhiều người, mọi người đang học và văn bản cho biết 'UTS US Vietnam Talent International School'

The UTS team explores how educational technology and AI can enhance teaching and learning experiences.

Through the session “Exploring EdTech: Ideas, AI and Impact,” the UTS team explored new possibilities in educational technology and AI, while discussing how technology can create meaningful and practical impact on teaching and learning.

At UTS, technology is not viewed as an end in itself. Its value lies in how it can support teachers in designing more effective learning experiences, expand opportunities for exploration, and help students progressively develop the competencies they need for the future.

Creating an environment where every student is seen and empowered to grow

The quality of education is shaped not only by the curriculum or teaching methods, but also by how each student experiences their learning environment every day.

Sessions focusing on inclusive education, classroom environments, identifying students’ needs, and establishing positive expectations further reinforced UTS’s student-centred approach to education.

Đội ngũ giáo viên UTS cùng xây dựng môi trường học tập lấy học sinh làm trung tâm

UTS teachers work together to create a student-centred learning environment

Every student enters the classroom with different strengths, needs, and pathways for development. Therefore, teachers need to understand not only what students are learning, but also what each student needs to learn, grow, and thrive.

Conclusion 

Professional Development Weeks 2026 may have come to a close, but the journey of learning continues. With strengthened professional expertise, renewed energy, and a shared vision for the journey ahead, the UTS team is ready to begin the 2026–2027 academic year, creating quality, positive, and meaningful learning experiences for every student.

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