Cape Henry Collegiate is committed to creating a culture of professional learning that enhances professional growth and development. As a community, we believe that the most meaningful professional learning occurs in an environment that is collaborative, hands-on, embedded with teacher choice, and grounded in best instructional practices. The C.A.P.E. Institute is an embedded professional development program named for and focused on Collaborative, Academic, Professional and Engaging learning experiences and facilitated by CHC Faculty.
No matter the C.A.P.E. Institute course I have been enrolled in, my brain is always activated with new information. I have loved each of my courses and benefited from taking them. I greatly appreciate this built in community of professional development that is offered to me within the school year calendar.”
Ms. Andrea Elliott
Lower School Teacher
2025-2026 C.A.P.E. Institute Offerings
All faculty will either facilitate or enroll in a course as members of the C.A.P.E. Institute. C.A.P.E. Institute courses begin in August during pre-service week and continue through November.
Focus: Elevating Academic Excellence | Facilitator: Mr. Charles Guido, Upper School Math
In this dynamic, hands-on professional development course, we will explore what cognitive science reveals about how students learn, remember, and apply knowledge. Drawing from key texts like "Why Don’t Students Like School?", "Stop Talking, Start Influencing", and "Building Thinking Classrooms", faculty will examine strategies that promote deep understanding, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. We will delve into what makes practice productive, how to prime students for abstract thinking, and how to design lessons that foster the habits of scientists, mathematicians, and historians. Educators will collaborate to share successful techniques and walk away with redesigned lessons ready to implement immediately, aligning with our commitment to elevating academic excellence through rigor, relevance, and innovation.
Focus: Elevating Academic Excellence | Facilitator: Mrs. Sarah Lucas, Middle and Upper School World Languages
Transform your everyday teaching materials into visually engaging, student-friendly resources in this hands-on design course for educators. We will begin with simple, effective design principles and explore how to apply them to your handouts, worksheets and presentations. You will learn to unlock powerful (and often overlooked) features within the Google Suite, discover free online design tools and develop a streamlined workflow that saves time and enhances quality. Bring your current materials—we will refine and refresh them together! Through real examples, practical exercises and collaborative feedback, you will walk away with polished resources that enhance learning and leave a lasting impression.
Focus: Elevating Academic Excellence | Facilitators: Mrs. Paige Moore, Middle School History, and Mrs. Eileen Roblee, Upper School Math
In this collaborative professional learning course, faculty will explore the definition, benefits, and real-world impact of experiential learning. Participants will gain practical strategies for designing hands-on, student-centered experiences that promote critical thinking, creativity and real-world skill development. Drawing from insights from a recent educational conference in Spain, we will examine successful models and ideas to inspire our work. Throughout the course, faculty will have time to reflect, collaborate, and develop experiential learning proposals by reimagining existing units or topics. These proposals will be shared and refined through peer feedback and discussion. The course not only supports academic rigor and student voice but also aligns with our school’s strategic goals—strengthening community connections and fostering diversity and inclusivity.
Focus: Elevating Academic Excellence | Facilitators: Mr. Jonathan Torch, STEAM Director, and Mr. Ryan Willette, Lower School Science
Join us for a hands-on professional learning experience that blends robotics, coding, and classroom innovation! In this engaging, interactive course, faculty will explore the exciting world of LEGO robotics and coding through four dynamic sessions. Participants will begin by building and programming with LEGO Spike Prime, learning how to utilize motors and sensors to bring their creations to life. They’ll then dive into the FIRST LEGO League Challenge, collaborating to solve robotic missions that promote problem-solving, teamwork, and a touch of competition. The final session, Coding Across the Curriculum, invites educators to brainstorm creative ways to integrate coding into subjects such as Math, English, History, and Art. This course not only highlights the innovative work happening in our Lower and Middle School robotics programs, but also empowers faculty to infuse technology and real-world problem-solving into their own classrooms.
Focus: Fostering Diversity and Inclusivity | Facilitator: Mrs. Christine Fagan, Middle and Upper School Learning Support
This course provides educators with a foundational understanding of neurodiversity, exploring the characteristics, strengths and challenges of neurodivergent learners through both research and experiential simulations. Participants will examine inclusive classroom practices, including strength-based approaches, executive function support and the distinctions between differentiation, accommodations and modifications. Additionally, the course will introduce participants to instructional strategies such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the TILT framework to plan and adapt instruction for all learners. Educators will engage collaboratively, bringing their own materials to modify lessons, explore varied instructional formats and share tools and apps to support diverse neurotypes.
This wellness class is specifically designed for educators, providing a supportive space to cultivate physical health, mental clarity and emotional well-being. Through a blend of Pilates, yoga and barre, participants will enhance their flexibility, strength and posture, while guided breathing and meditation techniques aid in reducing stress and improving focus. Energizing physical practices aim to combat fatigue and boost vitality, empowering teachers to engage more effectively in the classroom. Beyond individual benefits, the class fosters a sense of community, offering educators a chance to connect, recharge and prioritize self-care in a nurturing environment.
Focus: Promoting Wellness | Facilitator: Mrs. Megan Mattson, Middle and Upper School Art Teacher
Active art-making offers numerous benefits for managing stress and anxiety while promoting mental wellness both inside and outside the classroom for students and faculty. Faculty can learn essential studio habits that can be applied to a variety of learning scenarios. Participants will discover how art therapy enhances cognitive and sensorimotor functions, cultivates emotional resilience, promotes insight, improves social skills and reduces conflicts and distress. Beyond relaxation, active art-making can help with depression and anxiety, facilitate the expression of emotions, process complex feelings and provide many other mental health benefits.
Focus: Promoting Wellness | Facilitator: Mrs. Kathy Thompson, Middle School Art Teacher
Discover the power of nature journaling—a creative and reflective practice that blends words, pictures, and numbers to deepen your connection with the natural world. No artistic or scientific background is required; observation, curiosity, and mindfulness develop with simple, consistent practice. In this course, you’ll learn how nature journaling sharpens focus, boosts memory, and enhances joy while promoting wellness through art and meditation outdoors. You'll also explore how to integrate this versatile tool across classroom subjects to enrich student learning and foster a sense of environmental stewardship. Whether you're teaching or simply seeking personal renewal, nature journaling offers a meaningful way to slow down, observe, and connect.
Focus: Promoting Wellness | Facilitator: Mrs. Kathleen Sharp, Upper School English
Discover the science behind what truly makes us happy in this engaging professional development course focused on practical, research-based strategies to boost well-being. Participants will explore the concept of happiness agency—the empowering idea that we have control over our own happiness—and learn therapeutic lifestyle changes that foster lasting positive effects. Through reflection, discussion, and hands-on activities, participants will gain tools to enhance their personal and professional lives while also creating more supportive, joyful learning environments. By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with actionable practices to cultivate happiness for yourself and help your students thrive.
Focus: Promoting Wellness | Facilitator: Mrs. Diane Cruz, Director of Fundraising Events
This four-session course is ideal for beginners and flower enthusiasts eager to explore the art of floral design. Participants will learn essential techniques, from creating hand-tied bouquets to designing stunning centerpieces and expressive arrangements. Each session includes hands-on practice, expert tips for keeping flowers fresh and creative guidance to help build confidence. Beyond design skills, this calming, artistic experience promotes relaxation, lifts mood and provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
* Course enrollment will be capped at 10 participants. There will also be a $20 fee for materials; the School will subsidize the rest.
