Caitlin McLane
History & Social Science
Hi, friends. Welcome to my Professional Development Portfolio (PDP). As I write this introduction, I am finishing up my 15th year of teaching history in the independent school world. I started my teaching career at my alma mater – a progressive, all-girls boarding school in upstate New York – then moved to a co-ed boarding school in Boston, next to an all-girls day school in Philadelphia, and finally to Eastside Prep in the fall of 2017. My teaching journey has taken me across the country and allowed me to develop as an educator in a variety of settings. When I reflect on my teaching experience these past fifteen years, what stands out to me as the most transformative factor in my growth is the generous, compassionate, and intentional mentorship that my colleagues have so graciously provided me with along the way. I have always known that I learn best in community with others, and teaching in the independent school world has connected me with talented and dedicated colleagues who have selflessly invested in my development as an educator. I hope that this portfolio serves as a thoughtful reflection on the value of mentorship in teaching and as a thank you letter to all of the individuals who have taken the time to share their craft and support me on this wild journey.
Thank you, Mom, Dad, Sabrina, Dr. Naeher, Carol, Kathleen, Emily, Ruth, Gretchen, Ingrid, Quinn, Katharine, David, Bess, John, Verity, Jeff, Karen, and many, many more. I am forever grateful. ♥️
