The Department of Professional Learning leads the visioning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of a reimagined professional learning process that supports all staff to create an antiracist, equitable, and inclusive school district where all students, families, and staff feel safe, valued, seen, heard, and successful.

1. Increase awareness of, and engagement with, the MCPS Career Pathways Program, to make employees aware of existing services and resources to help them in their professional growth.

2. Increase employee retention through initiatives designed to increase employee engagement and satisfaction.

3. Provide enhanced leadership training and opportunities for supporting services employees to prepare future leaders of MCPS.

4. Promote a culture of learning and development, to compete with other businesses and reinforce MCPS as a premier employer in Montgomery County, MD.

The Career Pathways Ambassador Program provides on-site support for employees across the organization. Each ambassador uses their unique skills and experience to provide support to employees at their work site(s) and beyond. To learn more about the ambassadors and the work they are doing for MCPS supporting services employees, visit the Ambassador Program webpage below.

CAREER PATHWAYS AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The Career Pathways Team manages the SEIU Mentoring Program for supporting services employees. Our mentors represent many different SEIU chapters and have a variety of expertise to share with employees.

To learn more about the program, including how to connect with a mentor, check out the Mentoring Program webpage below.

SEIU MENTORING PROGRAM

The Supporting Services Professional Learning Unit is dedicated to advancing the growth and development of supporting services professionals through high-quality professional learning experiences that are aligned with the Seven Core Competencies. Our charge is to foster a culture of continuous learning that equips staff with the knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to enhance student achievement, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and promote career advancement.

We are committed to:

• Professional Learning: Delivering meaningful and targeted professional development that builds capacity, empowers staff to excel in their current roles, and prepares them for future opportunities.
• Student Achievement: Ensuring that professional learning directly contributes to improved outcomes for students by strengthening the services, systems, and supports that enable teaching and learning to thrive.
• Organizational Development: Cultivating a highly skilled, adaptable workforce that drives innovation, operational excellence, and equity throughout the system.

Through this work, the Supporting Services Professional Learning Unit serves as a catalyst for both individual and organizational success, advancing the mission of the school system to provide all students with the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels.

Summer 2026 Training Opportunities 

Workplace English Program - Fall 2026 Schedule

Supporting Services Professional Learning

Supporting Services Training Corps (SSTC)

The Supporting Services Training Corps (SSTC) is a network of experienced and highly skilled supporting services professionals selected to serve as trainers. SSTC members leverage their expertise and practical experience to design and facilitate high-quality professional learning that equips fellow supporting services employees with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to excel in their roles. By utilizing trainers who understand the day-to-day realities of the work, SSTC ensures that professional learning is relevant, practical, and directly connected to the needs of employees and the district.

The Importance of SSTC

The SSTC plays a vital role in strengthening professional learning across MCPS by creating internal capacity to respond quickly to evolving training needs. The program develops in-house experts who provide instruction grounded in real-world experience and district practices. This approach enhances the quality, consistency, and sustainability of professional learning while fostering collaboration among supporting services professionals.

Professional Growth for SSTC Trainers

Serving as an SSTC trainer is a significant leadership and professional growth opportunity. Trainers are recognized as subject matter experts and have the opportunity to extend their impact beyond their individual schools or departments by supporting the learning and development of colleagues across the district.

SSTC members receive specialized preparation, including Becoming an Effective Trainer and Training of Trainers programs, which strengthen their instructional, facilitation, communication, and adult learning skills before they begin delivering professional learning.

Participation in the SSTC also allows trainers to:

• Develop advanced presentation and facilitation skills.
• Build leadership experience without leaving their current role.
• Expand professional networks across schools and offices.
• Share expertise that positively influences the performance of supporting services professionals districtwide.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of professional learning within MCPS.

Why SSTC Matters

The Supporting Services Training Corps reflects MCPS's commitment to investing in its employees by recognizing the expertise that already exists within the organization. It transforms experienced support professionals into leaders who not only continue to grow professionally themselves but also help elevate the knowledge, skills, and effectiveness of their colleagues. Through this collaborative model, the SSTC strengthens the overall quality of professional learning, builds organizational capacity, and supports the district's mission of continuous improvement and excellence in service to students and schools.

Become an SSTC Trainer! 

Ready to take your expertise to the next level? Join the Supporting Services Training Corps (SSTC) and help shape the professional learning experiences of your colleagues while growing as a leader and trainer. If you're interested in becoming an SSTC Trainer or would like more information, please contact Victor Santiago, Staff Development Program Manager, via email at victor_r_santiago@mcpsmd.org

Paraeducators are a vital part of our educational system and integral for student achievement and success.  The almost 5000 paraeducators in MCPS work across schools supporting students in infants and toddlers, PreK, K-12, and through transitions for our older exceptional learners.  They work in general education and across the spectrum of special education services.  There are 14 position codes for paraeducators and three levels of service.  Paras all have one thing in common: they collaborate with and support teachers so our students can be the best they can be!  Our paraeducators are positive, flexible, and skilled.

Listed below are resources for paraeducators to learn and grow within the paraeducator position. Learning opportunities are offered during the school year.

ParaPro Assessment

Class Coverage and Language Differential - Contract Language

Special Education In-Service Training Day

Professional Learning Opportunities for Paraeducators

Para Pay Promotion Flyer

The Department of Professional Learning offers higher education partnership opportunities to MCPS employees seeking teacher certification, continuing professional development, or pursuing career advancement. To be eligible for any MCPS higher education partnership, one must be a permanent, benefits-eligible MCPS employee. Temporary and non-employees can explore permanent employment opportunities via MCPS Careers.

To learn more, visit the Higher Education Partnerships webpage.

How to Become a Teacher in MCPS

Sign up to attend a webinar on How to Become a Teacher in MCPS. PDO Course #87524

October Flyer

December Flyer 

Do you have a question about career pathways in MCPS? Or do you want to schedule a consultation?

Fill out our Intake Form and tell us how we can help! 

Team

Nathalie Bourdereau - Career Pathways Program Manager

Sally Murek- Paraeducator Program Manager

Victor Santiago- Staff Development Program Manager 

Heather Harman - Career Pathways Program Specialist

This tab contains reports on the Career Pathways Program from prior fiscal years.

FY25 Career Pathways Program Brocure

FY24 Career Pathways Program Report