While classrooms at Horace Maynard Middle School didn’t have students on February 16, teachers were hard at work behind the scenes during a districtwide staff development day. Across Union County Schools, educators used the time to strengthen instruction, analyze student data, and prepare for the critical weeks leading into state testing.

With several instructional days lost to winter weather, the in-service day provided valuable time for teachers to adjust lesson plans and pacing guides to ensure students remain on track. Faculty members collaborated across grade levels and content areas, reviewed academic data, and developed individualized strategies to support student growth.

“In-service days are beneficial to help us teachers get caught up on grading, professional development and curriculum mapping,” said Tucker Hardin. “As a teacher, I am able to use these days to tailor my instruction to fit all students and their learning styles.”

A major focus of the day centered on reviewing student performance data to identify strengths and areas for growth. Teachers worked together to pinpoint students who are on track for proficiency and those who may need additional support as state assessments approach.

Rob Luther emphasized both the academic and relational impact of the day. “In-service days provide a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and collaborate with colleagues while also making progress on essential responsibilities such as grading,” Luther said. “Today, for instance, I was able to assess student essays, collaborate closely with the ELA team, and deliberately identify students who are on track for proficiency. Equally important is the relational aspect of in-service days. Having dedicated time to work together outside the constant pace of instructional days allows us to strengthen our team, build shared purpose, and foster a collaborative culture that ultimately benefits our students.”
Beyond academic planning, staff members also used the time to reach out to families who may be facing challenges, ensuring strong school-home partnerships. Planning for future community engagement events was also part of the agenda, reinforcing the school’s commitment to connecting with families with Horace Maynard Middle School.

Amy Bullen noted that the day fostered professional growth and cross-grade collaboration. “In-service days are beneficial to teachers to help with growth, collaboration, and planning. They provide an opportunity for content areas to meet across grade levels to exchange successful strategies.”

Kaysie Hodge echoed the importance of collaboration. “In-service days are a valuable resource for teachers and school staff, offering precious time to strengthen our content through thoughtful lesson planning and collaboration with colleagues. By working together to reflect and refine our practices, we ensure that all students receive the highest quality education.”

For many educators, the opportunity to reflect and refine instructional practices is invaluable.
“ In-service days give me the time to collaborate with colleagues, reflect on what’s working in my classroom, and refine my lessons so I can better support every student I teach every day,” said Donna Eagle.

Isabella Valentine added that professional development days also provide perspective. “In-service days allow teachers to not only expand their own education and knowledge on their individual subjects but also allow them to network with others, which allows for the sharing of new techniques and ideas to better meet student needs and encourage student interest. In-services also give teachers the time to step away from the daily classroom demands and determine if they are motivating students properly to be successful or if they need to pivot.”

The day also included time for team building and fellowship over lunch, strengthening relationships among faculty members. That collaborative culture ultimately translates into stronger classroom instruction and better outcomes for students.

Though students may see a day off on the calendar, February 16 was anything but a break for the educators of Horace Maynard Middle School and Union County Schools.