Empowering Richfield Teachers through Learning Academies

Have you ever wondered how teachers continue to grow and improve throughout their careers? 

In Richfield Public Schools, our Learning Academies provide licensed staff members with a unique professional development model that supports student success. Funded through the Minnesota Department of Education's Quality Compensation Program (Q Comp), our Learning Academies provide teacher-driven courses on topics ranging from equity and social justice to literacy, technology and more.

What makes Learning Academies stand out? Courses are carefully designed to uplift teachers, align with our District's strategic goals, and promote self-care, collaboration and a supportive learning environment for all. 

Unique to Richfield

In RPS, our Learning Academies are teacher-driven. Courses are developed and led by our talented educators, highlighting the expertise within our District and fostering a sense of community among participants. Topics are thoughtfully chosen to support technical skills, personal growth and leadership development.

For example, Onward: Self-Care for Educators, is a standout course that has made a lasting impact. Offered many times in the last few years, currently more than one-third of our teachers have participated in the course. Onward is designed to help educators cultivate emotional resilience by prioritizing their well-being, leading to a calmer and more effective classroom

How Learning Academies Work

• Courses are available year-round in face-to-face, online or blended formats to accommodate various learning preferences and schedules.
• Teachers are compensated hourly for a limited number of hours and can earn unlimited Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for relicensure. Non-licensed staff are also welcome to participate and can earn CEUs.
• Facilitators are also compensated hourly, with 30 minutes of paid preparation for each hour taught.

Building Teacher Leaders

A primary goal of Learning Academies is to cultivate teacher leaders who can enrich our District's professional culture. Courses are meticulously crafted, with facilitators working together to develop objectives, materials and strategies. 

Aubree Yunker, New Teacher Mentor & Peer Review Team Lead, shares, "Our goal is to ensure every teacher feels supported, valued and equipped to succeed in the classroom. The Learning Academy is a powerful way to provide that support while helping educators grow personally and professionally."

More Ways We Support Teachers

The Learning Academy is just one piece of our comprehensive teacher support system, which includes:

• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Encouraging collaboration and focusing on student success.
• Mentor Programs: Pairing experienced teachers with those new to the profession for guidance and support.
• Peer Observations: Opportunities to learn from one another through feedback and shared practices.
• Affinity Groups: Fostering connection and support for staff of color.
• Student Achievement and Goal Setting: Aligned with Q Comp to ensure continuous improvement for students and staff.

What Staff Are Saying

“I choose Learning Academies that support my social emotional mental health and encourage relationships with my colleagues. This, in turn, gives me more energy to be a better teacher. I have talked to several colleagues and that is something that we all truly appreciate.”

“I was able to use the skills that I learned in my Learning Academy with my students. It created community and was fun too!”

“This Learning Academy gave our department a common language and philosophy to build our courses around.”

“I have chosen learning academies that focus on self-care for the past few years. This has honestly made a huge difference in my stress levels at work. When teachers are stressed, students feel that. Learning how to manage my stress and let go of those things I can't control has had a positive impact on student relationships. It is also a great opportunity to build new relationships with other staff members in the district. Expanding a support network is vital for teachers, and bringing staff from all buildings together for these learning academies has been wonderful.”

Through the Learning Academy and our other teacher support programs, we are dedicated to investing in the growth and well-being of our educators.