Staff Professional Growth
"People turn to WestEd staff because they have both the skills and the will to make a difference."
— Susan Mundry, Deputy Director of the Learning Innovations program, and Associate Director of the Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics program at WestEd
"WestEd provides meaningful work that allows me to make a positive contribution to teachers and young people. I'm rewarded with respect and appreciation for a job well done and the joy of working with a team of brilliant, caring, dedicated educators."
— Jana Bouc, Program Coordinator with the Strategic Literacy Initiative at WestEd
WestEd is committed to continuous learning for all our staff so that they can be successful in their jobs and at WestEd. As such, we offer a range of professional growth and career development opportunities to help staff broaden their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
In-House Management Training
WestEd places a high priority on developing the next generation of agency leaders. Our success as a premiere research, development, and service agency is dependent on our ability to attract, nurture, and develop top-notch staff.
We support our staff in individual leadership development efforts as well as offer WestEd-sponsored programs. Our most important agency initiative is Project Director Professional Development, otherwise known as (PD)2.
(PD)2 builds project management experience and capacity by developing and strengthening skills around WestEd business practices and the management of people and projects. This innovative initiative is based on a blended approach to learning that leverages web-based activities, classroom learning, reading, and project activities. Learn more in this short (PD)2 video overview:
In addition to (PD)2, WestEd offers a variety of in-house workshops designed to help staff sharpen their project, people, and technical management skills. For example, we periodically conduct workshops in performance management and managing conflict in the workplace.
Career Advancement
WestEd strongly encourages staff to discuss their career decisions and other related career topics with their managers. These discussions can take place year round and are formally documented as part of each staff member's annual Performance Evaluation Process.
Additionally, staff have full access to internal job postings and are encouraged to discuss job advancement, promotion, and career pathways with their manager.
Workshop, Seminar, and Conference Attendance
You will often find our staff presenting at and attending professional events both nationwide and overseas.
Association Membership
Many of our staff belong to professional associations so that they can stay on top of education and human development trends, network with other professionals, and hone their craft.
WestEd Products
Staff have easy access to our hundreds of WestEd products, including books, reports, guides, curriculum materials, and DVDs. These products — often offered to staff for free or at a discount — are an excellent opportunity for staff to learn more about our work across the agency and to gain knowledge in education and human development, further developing their professional skills and expertise.