For example, a school adopted a professional evaluation process that encouraged faculty to set objectives for meaningful growth, and the teachers then received funds to attend workshops, courses, or conferences. Other institutions offer financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Overall, the character of the independent school as an intentional community provides it with great strength. Its members have opportunities for personal and professional growth, for developing their creativity, and for sustaining close relationships within the community. In these nurturing and stimulating environments, teachers find opportunities to integrate their personal values and aspirations into their daily work.
Teachers have freedom and flexibility to create and implement curricula.
They are also empowered to influence many aspects of school life and to contribute to the development of school policies and practices. Many institutions value discussion, debate and persuasion as tools for decision making. For example, one school recently changed its mascot from a Mohawk Indian to a hawk through dialogues that involved all constituents of the school community. One source of faculty power in independent schools is the small size. A teacher in an independent school can usually expect to be responsible for a manageable number of students in small groups.