Professional Development
I enjoy creating a professional development plan for myself as it gives me a sort of "check list" to follow for the year on what I want to continue improving upon.
One of the challenges I run into however is budget and time constraints. I often times need to get creative in how I am going to improve myself in certain areas to fit into the budget and time constraints that I have. For example, reading research from the library, engaging in conversations with other people about topics I am not as familiar with, etc. There are lots of low budget ways to improve ourselves and I don't think we should limit ourselves to the expensive options.
Hi Tasha,
Way to go with your professional development. I know you are going to have a great career as in educator. One thing I would suggest that you use is the CASE model for teaching. Copy And Share Everything. Always be on the lookout for ideas, strategies and activities that will work in your classes. Try these things out and share them with others. We don't have to reinvent the wheel but it sure doesn't hurt if we put new treads on it. So modify and adapt as you implement these things in your classroom.
Gary
I've found all your suggestions helpful; as I too regularly search for professional development opportunities. Being a first year instructor, I found it necessary to be inventive with teaching methods. I look for numerous ways to keep my classroom atmosphere engaged yet informed. So please continue to pass on the helpful hints; as personal growth is beneficial to us all.
Amy - I have discovered that there is typically a plethora of free training to assist with professional development. I have found these within the school I teach and through the local professional associations. I have also discovered an entire network of free online training through the publishers and software developers. As for time constraints, that is a tough one for me as well.
Colleen
Hi Amy,
I figure I'd make my first reply with this course to a familiar face :).
You make two great points about development plans. As an adjunct instructor I am required to balance the development activities between that of my field career and of my instructional career. I enjoy when I am able to find development topics that meet both objectives (which generally lie within techcnical or management areas). This is one way that I try to use to help balance both my time and budget constraints.
But, I do also enjoy the specific training and knowleged that I gain that is tied to my role as an instructor. Case-in-point, this training :).
I feel the same way. I really like learning and finding new ways to improve myself, my teaching and my knowledge of my field. Right now I am working 2 jobs and have a number of volunteer activities I participate in so I find my biggest struggle is finding the time to complete professional development. I need to be better at making time for myself. I really do appreciate activities that are offered by my employers or supported by them because it makes it easier for me to find the necessary time.
My employers support my efforts for professional development but my budget is fairly limited so I try to take advantage of as many inexpensive options that I can. Once a year I get to go to a large conference and those are always the ones I take away the most from but smaller ones are good too. Short and sweet can be just as beneficial as something longer and more indepth.
I can relate! I know that we all have to take time to "sharpen the axe" but taking that time to reflect, refocus and regroup can be difficult. Like you, I do find it helpful, however, and time well spent.
