Staying Ahead of the Game: How to Ensure Professional Development is Current and Relevant for Teachers

Professional development for teachers is most effective when it is current in content and skills. In other words, it should be aligned with current best practices and research in education, as well as with the needs and demands of the current educational landscape.

There are several ways to ensure that professional development is current in content and skills. One strategy is to regularly review and update professional development offerings. This can involve seeking out new research and information on effective teaching practices and incorporating this information into professional development programs. It can also involve staying up-to-date on new technologies and trends in education and incorporating these into professional development as well.

Another way to ensure that professional development is current is to involve educators in the planning process. This can be as simple as gathering feedback from teachers on what topics they would like to learn about or having them serve on a planning committee. By involving teachers in the planning process, you can ensure that the professional development is relevant and meets the needs of the current educational landscape.

Developing a professional learning network (PLN) using social media can be an effective way for educators to stay up-to-date on current best practices and research in education. A PLN is a network of educators who connect with one another online to share ideas, resources, and knowledge about teaching and learning.

There are several social media platforms that can be used to develop a PLN. For example, teachers can join online groups or communities focused on a specific teaching subject or approach, and engage in discussions with other educators. Teachers can also follow educational accounts on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, and participate in online courses and webinars.

Developing a PLN using social media can provide several benefits for educators. First and foremost, it allows teachers to connect with other like-minded educators from around the world, which can be especially useful for teachers who may not have access to a strong professional learning network in their own schools or districts. It can also provide teachers with a convenient and flexible way to access professional development resources and opportunities.

In addition, participating in a PLN can help teachers to stay up-to-date on current best practices and research in education. By engaging with other educators and accessing a wide range of resources and materials, teachers can learn about new teaching strategies and techniques and stay current with their knowledge and skills.

Finally, it is important to provide ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure that teachers are able to stay current with their knowledge and skills. This can involve offering periodic workshops or online courses, or providing access to resources and materials that teachers can use to continue learning on their own.

In conclusion, professional development for teachers is most effective when it is current in content and skills. By regularly reviewing and updating professional development offerings, involving educators in the planning process, and providing ongoing opportunities for learning, and building a PLN, teachers can stay up-to-date on best practices and the demands of the current educational landscape, and improve their teaching practices accordingly.

Thanks for reading

Dr. Shannon H. Doak