ACAMIS PD Coordinator Half Day Workshop Connector Event
Keystone Academy, Beijing
Tuesday September 9, 2025

Taking place in Beijing, on September 9, 2025, this half-day event aims to bring together like-minded professionals who play a crucial role in planning and coordinating professional development.
In this half-day session, we will explore the complex relationship between professional development (PD) and teacher appraisal. While both aim to enhance educator effectiveness, the balance between fostering growth and evaluating performance can often be tricky to navigate.

Essential Question – How can we ensure that PD remains a tool for genuine professional growth, rather than becoming entangled in performance assessments?

This event will focus on understanding where to draw the line between development and evaluation, where to leverage PD to drive improvement, and where it’s essential to maintain clear boundaries. Through discussion and real-life examples, participants will examine strategies for fostering a culture of growth without compromising the integrity of PD initiatives.


Workshop Outcomes

Strategize for Impact: Understand how PD can drive school-wide improvement by fostering a culture of growth, rather than focusing on immediate performance or compliance.

Practical Tools: Walk away with actionable ideas and strategies to take back to your school, enhancing the effectiveness of PD programs.

Collaborative Learning: Discuss real-life examples and share strategies with colleagues who share a similar role to you.

Tailored Guidance: Receive insights on how to leverage PD effectively while keeping the integrity of teacher appraisals intact.


Workshop Details

Date: September 9, 2025

Time: 1pm-5pm

Price: Free for member schools, $50 for non-member schools

Notes: No bus provided to and from the host school


Workshop Schedule

1:00 – 1:15

Registration and networking

1:15 - 1:45

Welcome Address

1:45 - 2:00

Setting the Stage: Defining PD vs. Appraisal

2:00 - 3:00

The pitfalls of putting PD and Appraisal in the same bucket (what happens when we combine growth and performance)

3:00 - 3:15

Break and networking (Drinks and light snacks provided)

3:15 – 4:00

Case Study: Real-Life Examples

4:00 – 4:45

Sharing insights and individual action planning

4:45 – 5:00

Q&A and Closing Address


Host School

Keystone Academy is an innovative and unique school in China and the world. It draws from Chinese, American, and global learning traditions and weaves them into a powerful bilingual education model. It is truly one of its kind in China.

Emily McCarren, Ph.D

Head of School

Keystone Academy, Beijing

No. 11, Anfu Street, Houshayu, Shunyi District