The budget as proposed by our new president will eliminate all professional development funding for teachers and principals. This has a major impact on our school systems. The elimination of professional development funding defies research. Professional development (PD) for teachers provides training that is job-embedded, ongoing, and differentiated. Research shows that it has a major impact on student achievement. When teachers and principals receive substantial or quality professional development, student achievement increases.
Highly effective classrooms and schools are a result of educators receiving quality professional development. Just maybe, PD needs revamped for effectiveness rather than eliminated from the budget. This includes creating content, modeling for teachers, and lesson feedback. Also, improving the way teachers learn through exchanging the method that normally occurs in a typical training outside the classroom to inside the classroom.
Professional Development Takes On A New Name
One form of PD is the flipped classroom. This process places the experts, or coaches, next to the teacher during the design process and the implementation of a project. The informational instructions for content is received outside of the coaching process.
• To begin, the teacher discusses projects and goals with a coach.
• Next, the coach provides resources for the teacher to review. These include informational articles or video tutorials.
• And, as the teacher works on a project, the coach provides support and guidance.
• To conclude, the teacher and coach discuss progress and create an action plan.
• Once the teacher reaches a goal, the professional development is successful.
This process of PD is very similar to teacher research, which is a powerful form of PD. Throughout the process of research, educators listen and observe how students engage in authentic work. They collect work samples, photos, and transcript to document what happens in the classroom. The information is used to develop their methods. Finally, these teachers become innovators, curriculum drivers, and agents of change. They direct their own learning.
Other methods of PD include: Online communities, reading groups, action research, peer observation and group projects. Consequently, it is a never-ending process and is custom made for each teacher’s needs.
Professional development is important of teachers and principals learn and understand the latest research. In addition, educators improve skills and become more proficient at their jobs.
Finally, educators must encourage each other to participate and parents must demand educators learn the latest methods of instruction.
