2026-2027 DSBN Professional Development Dates and Topics
All school and school board staff have an important role to play in supporting student success, safety, resilience as well as the mental health and well-being of all students. The DSBN recognizes and values the importance of professional learning that enhances educators’ knowledge and skills for the effective support of all students and staff. It is important to equip staff with the knowledge, skills and tools to provide relevant learning that supports curriculum differentiation based on specific needs of students and meets the diverse learning needs of all students. Staff at the DSBN engage in professional development in a variety of different ways. These include, but are not limited to, learning components of monthly staff meetings, job embedded learning with colleagues and instructional coaches during the school day, DSBN facilitated workshops after hours, additional qualification courses facilitated by DSBN staff in partnership with post-secondary institutions.
Professional Development Days (PD Days) are another valuable learning opportunity for school staff. For the 2026-2027 school year, professional development days are scheduled for the following dates:
- September 02, 2026
- September 03, 2026
- October 26, 2026
- November 27, 2026
- January 15, 2027 (Elementary only)
- January 29, 2027 (Secondary only)
- April 30, 2027
- June 04, 2027 (Elementary only)
- June 30, 2027 (Secondary only)
Summary of PD Day Activities for Elementary
October 26, 2026
Educators will engage in professional learning focused on the responsible and effective use
of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in education. Through this learning,
educators will explore a variety of AI tools that can enhance teaching, learning, and
classroom efficiency, while deepening their understanding of cyber safety, privacy, and
ethical considerations. The learning will emphasize the use of secure, board-approved
technologies to protect student information and promote safe, responsible, and inclusive
digital learning environments.
Educators will engage in professional learning focused on strengthening consistent
classroom delivery across the elementary panel through the implementation of shared
practices, common expectations, and aligned instructional approaches. This learning will
support greater coherence in instructional delivery and the use of evidence-informed
practices that promote high-quality learning experiences across classrooms and schools.
Through collaborative learning and reflection, educators will continue to refine practices
that support consistency, student achievement, and engagement.
Summary of PD Day Activities for Secondary
October 26, 2026
Educators will engage in professional learning focused on the responsible and effective use
of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in education. Through this learning,
educators will explore a variety of AI tools that can enhance teaching, learning, and
classroom efficiency, while deepening their understanding of cyber safety, privacy, and
ethical considerations. The learning will emphasize the use of secure, board-approved
technologies to protect student information and promote safe, responsible, and inclusive
digital learning environments.
Educators will engage in professional learning focused on strengthening consistent
assessment and evaluation practices across secondary schools. Staff will review updates
related to final evaluations, including mandatory written exams, exam weightings, and
designated exam periods, and participate in learning focused on the appropriate
consideration of attendance and participation in the determination of final grades to
support fair, consistent, and transparent assessment practices.