A Holistic Approach to Professional Development: Shrub Oak International School’s Staff Training Program

At Shrub Oak International School, a commitment to staff development underpins its mission to provide exceptional care and support for autistic students. Each month, the school introduces a new focus in its training curriculum, designed to equip staff with the skills and insights essential for fostering an inclusive and responsive environment. This rotating monthly training program allows Shrub Oak International School staff to build on critical skills that promote safety, well-being, and effective student engagement. In recent months, staff training sessions have covered topics such as the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools (TCIS) system, active listening, and leadership strategies. This month, Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School reveals their training department is diving into “Get to Know Your Students’ Sensory Needs, Challenges, and Preferences,” offering staff new tools and perspectives to meet students’ unique sensory profiles.

For November, Shrub Oak International School’s training theme centers on enhancing staff awareness of students’ sensory needs—a critical area of focus in any educational environment, especially one serving autistic individuals. Each student at Shrub Oak International School has a distinct sensory profile, with preferences, sensitivities, and challenges that affect their learning and social interactions. This training will help staff develop a nuanced understanding of sensory integration and provide strategies to create more supportive and inclusive experiences for students.

The session encourages staff to approach sensory challenges with empathy, helping students feel comfortable and understood. Shrub Oak International School staff will learn techniques to identify when sensory overload may be affecting a student, allowing for timely and personalized interventions. Through guided discussions, case studies, and collaborative exercises, the training will empower staff to create individualized support strategies tailored to each student’s sensory preferences. By deepening staff understanding of sensory processing, this training supports Shrub Oak International School’s goal of fostering an environment where each student can engage and thrive.

An essential component of Shrub Oak International School’s training curriculum is the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools (TCIS) system, which provides a framework for managing challenging situations with the least amount of disruption. August’s focus on TCIS provided refresher courses for the Shrub Oak International School Campus Life and Education departments, equipping staff with tools to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School ensures that staff completed training on “Standing Restraint,” a technique that represents the least restrictive intervention option. By prioritizing less invasive methods, Shrub Oak International School reinforces its commitment to creating a safe space where physical interventions are minimized, promoting an environment built on respect and understanding.

For the Education department, August marked the first annual recertification since transitioning from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) system to TCIS. Staff in this department participated in comprehensive reviews of the physical intervention curriculum, which included non-physical skills fundamental to crisis management. With a 100% recertification rate, the program underscored the dedication of Shrub Oak International School staff to maintaining expertise in crisis intervention, ensuring the highest standard of safety and support for students.

Another critical element of Shrub Oak International School’s training program is the Arbinger leadership training, which equips staff with leadership skills to effectively guide teams and support students. Arbinger training is particularly valuable for supervisors, directors, and educators, aligning their leadership approaches with Shrub Oak International School’s core values. In August, new participants joined the “Arbinger for Leadership” program, exploring methods to foster collaboration and inspire teams in ways that reflect Shrub Oak International School’s commitment to inclusivity and empathy.

Educators at Shrub Oak International School also participated in “Arbinger for Educators,” a program designed to address the unique leadership challenges in the classroom. This training provided teachers with strategies to create a positive, structured learning environment. By equipping teachers with leadership skills specifically tailored to educational settings, the training fosters a consistent, supportive classroom experience. Participants responded positively, valuing the opportunity to refine their approaches to leadership and classroom management. The impact of these insights is expected to extend throughout the school community, enriching the overall educational environment and promoting student success.

In July, Shrub Oak International School’s staff training focused on active listening, a fundamental skill for effective student engagement. The session began with a short, engaging video illustrating the differences between active and passive listening, allowing staff to observe the impact of attentiveness in communication. Shrub Oak International School staff explored both verbal and nonverbal aspects of active listening, learning how to convey empathy and understanding through their responses.

This training highlighted the importance of active listening in building rapport with students, who benefit from a structured environment where they feel heard and validated. Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School encouraged staff to approach listening with flexibility, as each student’s communication needs and styles differ. Through practical exercises, such as role-playing and feedback activities, staff practiced these skills with one another, enhancing their ability to apply them effectively in their daily interactions with students. The collaborative reflection following the activity further solidified these techniques, ensuring that each Shrub Oak International School staff member felt prepared to create meaningful connections with students.

Each monthly training topic is designed to integrate seamlessly into staff routines, enhancing their interactions with students in real-time. Whether practicing active listening or addressing sensory needs, Shrub Oak International School’s staff consistently apply their training to provide individualized support and promote an inclusive atmosphere. This practical approach enables staff to work proactively, meeting students where they are and adjusting their techniques based on each student’s unique needs and preferences.

For example, this month’s sensory-focused training will encourage staff to consider how factors such as lighting, sound, and texture affect each student’s comfort and concentration. By understanding sensory preferences, staff can modify the learning environment to prevent overstimulation, creating a supportive space that fosters each student’s strengths. These adaptations are part of Shrub Oak International School’s holistic commitment to meeting students’ needs, empowering them to fully participate in school life.

Shrub Oak International School’s approach to staff training is anchored in a commitment to continuous improvement, reflecting a dedication to excellence that aligns with the school’s values. By rotating training topics monthly, Shrub Oak International School ensures that staff are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge necessary to support a diverse student body. This dynamic training model not only promotes professional growth but also demonstrates Shrub Oak International School’s investment in each staff member’s development as they support students’ educational and personal journeys.

Shrub Oak International School’s training sessions are structured to build on previous learning, creating a progressive framework that allows staff to deepen their understanding and refine their skills. This ongoing professional development reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing an inclusive, supportive environment for students, one where staff are continually prepared to meet new challenges and foster meaningful growth.

With a calendar of monthly training topics, Michael Koffler of Shrub Oak International School ensures that staff remain at the forefront of best practices in education and student support. Upcoming topics are expected to include additional sensory integration techniques, collaborative problem-solving, and further TCIS updates. This forward-thinking approach positions Shrub Oak International School as a leader in specialized education, demonstrating a proactive stance on staff development and student welfare.

By investing in diverse, relevant training sessions, Shrub Oak International School continuously strengthens its ability to support students’ unique needs. From sensory integration to active listening, each topic plays a crucial role in equipping staff with practical strategies that benefit students directly, helping them feel understood, respected, and capable.

Shrub Oak International School’s monthly staff training program is more than just professional development; it’s a testament to the school’s enduring commitment to excellence in care and education. By cultivating skills that enhance empathy, safety, and effective communication, Shrub Oak International School fosters an environment where students are empowered to achieve their fullest potential, knowing they have the support of a dedicated, well-prepared team. Through this consistent focus on growth and learning, Shrub Oak International School paves the way for a bright future—one training session at a time.