Institute Days are everywhere in our school calendar. However, many students don’t even know the meaning behind them, nor how they are planned. Based on how hectic an average student’s or teacher’s day looks, Institute Days can be quite beneficial and productive for our school.

“An Institute Day is a time for the district, school and county to provide time for teachers to go through professional development connected to their position or content area,” explains Mrs. Wilson, the Assistant Principal for Curriculum & Instruction. “We have district, building, and county Institute Days, led by whomever is in charge. The county Institute Day is always popular, as our teachers get to pick sessions connected to their content area and meet somewhere off-site.”

Since students get to have the day off, teachers make the best of its use for their students. “Students eventually see the effects of this in the classroom, as teachers take ideas from these meetings and put them into practice,” says Wilson. “Without these days, the time [to meet with other teachers] becomes more limited throughout the school year.”

Being aware of these days is crucial. For students utilizing these days for rest, catching up on assignments or college visits, knowing how Institute Days are created is essential for future-planning. “In District 204, we have a calendar committee who ultimately creates the calendar for the school year,” says Wilson. “Our cabinet of leaders at the district office make plans for the Institute Days and then building administration make decisions connected to their building. The county institute day is established by the Regional Office of Education.”

Through careful planning and making the best out of Institute Days, knowing its importance and relevance can provide extra time for students, as well as teachers, to get caught up.