People & Perspectives: KDS Professional Development Day

Kent Denver devotes two days each school year to employee professional development—one day dedicated to wellness and the other to equity and community engagement initiatives. On Monday, Kent Denver employees participated in the first of these professional development days, with on-site activities planned by our Equity and Community Engagement team focused around the theme of People & Perspectives: Cultivating Our Collective Garden.

“It is always a wonderful opportunity to focus on the development of our staff and community,” said Chris Dominguez, an Upper School math teacher and one of the faculty presenters. “I was honored to lead a group of my coworkers on an exploration of storytelling through film study. It was such a fruitful moment to be a part of, and I look forward to future development days.”

The day started with an engaging keynote address on belonging from Dr. Pascal Losambe, an accomplished author and speaker dedicated to igniting cultures of trust and belonging through the power of brain science and shared humanity. Employees then attended various workshops—facilitated by both Kent Denver staff and outside organizations—featuring a wide range of topics, including creating safe spaces for learning difference and disability, storytelling, diversity and media consumption, yoga for restorative justice, allyship, social justice and more.

“At Kent Denver, we believe wholeheartedly in shared ownership.  We are stewards of this community, and we are lifelong learners, always considering the ways we can continue to foster and strengthen inclusion and belonging,” said Shareena Mundodi, Equity & Community Engagement Director. “Colleagues stepping up and in to host workshops that are creative and topical—including a focus on rewiring our response to gender dynamics, or challenging stereotypes and monolithic worldviews of people or groups—proves that Kent Denver is leading in this space, and we are addressing contemporary issues that absolutely matter for the well-being of students and adults. 

Professional development days like this are invaluable opportunities to challenge our notions of diversity and exercise cultural competency skills, enabling us to better respond to the aspirations and needs of our stakeholders. It's a privilege to lead this remarkable day, and I'm proud that the Equity & Community Engagement Department has helped to elevate that shared ownership.”

Kent Denver employees will participate in a wellness-focused professional development day on Monday, April 27.