About Us
Students Are at the Center of All We Do
What We Do
The Professional Development Resource Center
Our Mission
Utilizing NYSED funding The Upstate PDRC serves all New York State Religious and Independent schools north of New York City at no charge to schools. All services are funded through Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The Upstate PDRC’s mission is to design and deliver high quality professional development that meets the direct learning needs of school educators including; school leaders, teachers and support staff. We also aim to support the community surrounding the school including parents and caregivers. Our ultimate goal is to improve the learning opportunities and experiences for students through our work, academically, socially and emotionally. The Upstate PDRC supports schools through building their knowledge and skills in research-based practices and systems change for school improvement. Professional development is differentiated based on individual needs and is planned and conducted in close collaboration with our partners and key stakeholders.
Our Why & Our Guiding Principles
All of our services and products are needs driven and our work is continually guided by our “Why.”
Our “Why” is embedded in everything we do, it represents our philosophical approach to our work.
The figure below illustrates visually our “Why.” An organization’s “Why” is its Purpose—it is the reason
the organization exists. Often organizations focus more on their “How” and their “What.” The “How” is
the organization’s approach to their service or product delivery. The “What” are the services and/or
products that the organization provides or produces. Based on Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle philosophy,
MI has adopted the practice of starting first with our “Why.”[1] Starting with our “Why” ensures that e
verything we do, our “How” and our “What” flows from our core purpose—our mission—why we exist.
Our Partners
The Upstate PDRC works collaboratively with two other PDRCs; The Long Island PDRC at Catapult Learning and the NYC PDRC at Fordham University. Together the three NYS PDRCs provide a comprehensive and coordinated set of professional development services, products and resources to support schools. The Upstate PDRC relies upon collaboration and guidance from key stakeholders including schools, the CAC (Commissioners Advisory Council) and the NYSED’s SORIS. We will work very closely with these groups to:
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cultivate a deep understanding of needs and unique characteristics;
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build trusting relationships that are based in partnership and collaboration;
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employ principles of adult learning to engage and make meaning;
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employs culturally respectful approach to service delivery and
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provides accessible and flexible PD/TA delivery options (in-person and web-based).
Our Funding:
Our Center is funded through Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A of ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) as amended by ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act). We know and understand that these Title II and IV dollars belong to the Religious and Independent schools we serve throughout NYS and we will do our best to facilitate access to the services that these dollars support. Our five year contract is held by Measurement Incorporated, a leader in the field of assessment, research, technology and professional development. (https://www.mi-schoolservices.com)
[1] Adopted from Simon Sinek’s Start with Why (https://startwithwhy.com).
Who We Are
Where We Serve
UPSTATE PDRC MAP
Below is a link the Upstate PDRC Map where you can view each independent and religious school in New York State by county.
