Walter Sorensen

"When we invest in our educators, we multiply the impact on every student they guide. Professional development isn't a perk. It is a pathway to inspired teaching, deeper learning, and a future shaped by those who believe in growth." 

Overview

The Alcuin Professional Development Initiative (APDI) is a visionary framework designed to support educators in delivering exceptional Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) education. By cultivating a culture of reflective practice, innovation, and intellectual growth, APDI empowers educators to thrive as leaders within Alcuin and the broader educational landscape.

Leaders in Learning

EDUCATOR INSTITUTE
Nine-month immersion for early-career faculty focused on mentorship, curriculum enrichment, and professional growth.

FACULTY LEADERSHIP COHORT
Cross-divisional leaders shaping onboarding, mentorship, and thought leadership.

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP COHORT
Annual event to showcase innovation and foster a culture of continuous growth.

TUITION & CONTINUING EDUCATION SUPPORT
Financial assistance for Montessori credentials, IB training, and advanced degrees.

NATIONAL & GLOBAL CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
Representation and idea exchange at the leading edge of Montessori and IB practices.

Why It Matters

In a world where education is the greatest lever for change, the quality of a school is defined by the excellence of its educators. At Alcuin, our mission to cultivate compassionate global citizens through Montessori and IB philosophies demands more than routine instruction—it requires deeply inspired, highly trained, and philosophically aligned educators who can translate big ideas into transformational experiences for students.

If we want our students to be bold thinkers, compassionate leaders, and agile problem-solvers, we must first invest in the people who guide them every day. The Alcuin Professional Development Initiative isn’t a long-term gamble; it’s an immediate accelerator of student success.

Every time we support an educator’s growth, our students gain access to more innovative teaching, richer learning experiences, and a deeper connection to the world around them. A teacher who is inspired, well-supported, and continually evolving brings fresh energy into the classroom, turning a good lesson into a moment of discovery, and a curious student into a confident scholar.

This is how we raise the bar. This is how we deliver on the promise of a world-class Montessori and IB education. By championing our educators, we elevate the entire Alcuin experience—not years from now, but today.

 

Implementation Timeline

Year 1

• Launch the Faculty Leader Cohort
• Initiate the Instructional Speaker Series
• Host the inaugural Professional Learning Symposium

Year 2

• Launch the Alcuin Educator Fellowship
• Expand tuition remission and continuing education support
• Enhance mentorship structures across faculty cohorts

Year 3

• Establish a sustainable funding model
• Refine and scale program components
• Measure impact and share best practices within and beyond Alcuin