I have a confession to make. I think Professional Development, the way most people do it, is a waste of time. If you are compelled to complete so many hours of PD or check so many boxes on the form, does that mean that you will be thoughtful about what you actually do? In my experience, no. Teachers are so busy with the business of teaching that they don’t place a lot of importance of PD. They just get it done.
My theory is that teachers don’t know what good PD is. Habit 7 is called Sharpening the Saw. Recognize the tools/skills needed to do your job well and put energy into improving those things. This will be unique to each person. Since, I have an interest and access to a computer lab twice a week, I’ve been exploring things I can do with technology in the classroom. But, my colleague who has no computers in her classroom would instead look at different ESL games that can be used in the classroom. I propose that instead of a form, teachers be given a survey about what equipment they have access to; what their student’s needs are, what their strengths and areas to improve are, and what are they interested in learning more about. From the survey, they will be able to select from 2 or 3 PD choices - webinar, lectures, resources in the District, etc. That way the PD is thought - out and has reasoning behind it. Also, once the PD is completed they should also teach what they learned to a colleague (ideally) or at least write a couple paragraphs about it. My second confession is: I was one of those people. I did not put much thought into PD besides getting it done. But, as of last year, I ventured off of my campus. I shadowed, and questioned principals. I started being more selective about what PD I would participate in. If it wasn’t a weak area, I didn’t do it. My commitment is to continue to seek out experiences that will “sharpen my saw” and be deliberate and focused on my goals: to be the best teacher I can be, to be the best TOSA I can be, and eventually be the best administrator I can be.
1 Comment
David
10/17/2015 03:46:51 pm
Sheila,
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Sheila L. DavisPassionate Adult ESL Instructor at Grossmont Adult School. Seeking to learn new habits and unlearn bad ones. ArchivesCategories |