On February 18, 2026, Mesrobian High School hosted a ‘Professional Development Day’ for elementary school teachers. Classes were suspended for the day, allowing educators to fully dedicate their time to professional growth and consultation on professional topics.
The day began with a Holy Mass at the St. Savior Church, which gave the program a spiritual depth.
The first session was led by the school’s speech therapist, Sarin Bekerejian, and was entitled “Pedagogical Language and Classroom Environment Management.” The program included real-life case studies, role-playing, and hands-on learning to respond to student behavior, create and maintain a calm environment and promote a positive and safe school climate.
The second session was presented by School Psychologist Christine El Zain. Her presentation focused on mental health in schools and specifically the issues that arise as a result of stigma. Ms. El Zain explained how reducing stigma creates a space where teachers and students feel supported, seek help and grow spiritually. As part of the school’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of students and teachers, she presented the negative impact of stigma on the educational environment and emphasized the importance of psychological safety in promoting growth and resilience.
Both sessions were interactive. Teachers actively participated, sharing their thoughts, discussing real-life experiences and asking insightful questions.
At the end of the day, participants expressed their satisfaction and gratitude for the initiative, expressing their desire for such professional development sessions to be organized regularly in the future.