What next? The need for Professional Development!
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When educators are asked – ‘what makes you a prolific educator?’. The answer mostly goes back to the B.ed they had done or the workshop I attended.
Research indicates that the primary factor contributing to student success is the caliber of teaching and instructional approach in the classroom.
Schools must implement Professional development as a method to support educators in enhancing their skills throughout their careers. Successful Professional development initiatives involve collaborative teams of educators who concentrate on addressing the needs of their students. This leads to developing problem-solving skills and thereby promoting the comprehensive growth of students.
Professional growth occurs through various avenues such as workshops, seminars, meetings, and even informal discussions in the staffroom that may bring in a new perspective and pave new areas to explore. These interactions among colleagues, independent study, research, and observations contribute to enhancing teacher knowledge, skill, and approach to teaching and learning.
As research says, the landscape of teaching today is intricate, it results in one-third of educators departing from their profession within three years and fifty percent within five years (Ingersoll 2005). Seasoned teachers encounter increasing challenges annually due to shifts in instructional methods, changes in subject matter, advancements in educational technology, and the evolving needs of students. While the new teachers take time to settle and understand the working style of the school. With consistent support and apt training, their journey becomes smooth, and where they feel they could contribute or make a DIFFERENCE.
Lastly, educators may choose the area they need PD on to grow, get better, or something that interests them. To engage with the next Gen, we need to build ourselves and accept that change is the only constant.
Who dares to teach, must never cease to learn. – John Cotton Dane
Ms. Navitha Kothari
Associate Trainer
National Public School ITPL