Quality Professional Development
I love learning how to become better as a teacher. There are so many professional development [PD] opportunities out there. The trick is finding quality ones. I often am inundated with mandatory workshops that: 1) I don’t need to attend because I have more than enough PD credits 2) I don’t have time to do both required and recreational PD.
I have found a few things to be interesting and worthwhile without “going” to an in-service. First, I have a magazine subscription that comes monthly called “Educational Leadership.” The articles are written by educators and researchers who stay current in the field and are passionate about providing children with a quality education. They even have a section called “Tell Me About…” where readers can write in on particular subjects such as “Tell about a time when a student you viewed as “challenging” taught you something important. “ It’s nice to hear from the “experts” and people just like me. I am going to write in for the next one! You should too 🙂
Secondly, blogging has been a healthy endeavor for me. It reminds me of going through the National Board process where you thought through a lesson, executed it as best as possible, then wrote a written reflection, just like a blog post (now that its summer and school is out my posts are less about classroom lessons and more about educational topics). I am able to network with other like minded professionals and gather ideas for my own classroom. Sharing is sometimes the best professional development (and its free!).
Thirdly, the almighty Pinterest…a smorgasbord of ideas! I utilize it mainly for education, but I can’t help glance at faraway tropical locations or gorgeous residential architecture. I enjoy following other teachers and bloggers to gain classroom ideas. Plus, I am learning to make my own products and sell on my TPT store. The resources I have come across (thank you freebies!) are from teachers like me who stand behind teacher-made products and only share those that they actually use.
After being spoiled by these 3 professional development types, I find it getting harder and harder to sit in a traditional in-service and listen to some unknown person talk about the latest educational strategy or product. I especially dread the “get to know you” activities and elongated lunch breaks. I’d rather gather the information I need and then head out to apply it to my classroom… or work on the never ending “To-Do” list. (I know that sounds awful, but I’m bad with down time and inefficient use of time). I guess I am just as bad as the kids wanting information within seconds!
What’s your favorite type of professional development?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.