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How Can Professional Development Programmes Help Teachers Upskill

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Jagpreet

20 April, 2024

How Can Professional Development Programmes Help Teachers Upskill

The student’s interest in a subject is directly proportional to the teacher’s ability to explain the complex subject easily. As many of you may recall, your favourite teachers made your childhood excellent by making education fun, such as dissecting flowers in science or turning history lessons into mini-plays.

Like every professional, teachers must constantly innovate their teaching methods according to the student’s needs. This is where effective professional development (PD) programmes come in.

In 2024 teachers will need new skills to keep up with younger students. They must learn and improve to be the best at what they do. These programmes will help Teachers and Faculty stay sharp, learn new skills, and improve their teaching practices.

However, not all PD programmes are created equal. This blog will explore the Professional Development that genuinely helps teachers.

Why is a Professional Development Programme Important?

As per OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), any activity that helps teachers enhance their teaching skills or abilities can be considered professional development. To simplify it, Just like any other professional, teachers must stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and educational trends. These PD programmes will offer the faculty and teachers a platform for this growth which will ultimately lead to:

  • Deeper Subject Knowledge

Science teachers attending workshops on the latest discoveries or English teachers exploring new ways to teach can keep their subjects fresh and exciting for students. When teachers are interested and excited about their subject, they can only make students curious and excited too.

  • Collaboration and Sharing

Through the Professional Development programme, teachers can learn the best practices and collaborate on projects to foster a supportive learning environment for educators, ultimately benefiting students.

“Sharing is caring,” but in these PD programmes, sharing means encouraging teachers to share their best practices and collaborate on projects to foster a supportive learning environment for educators, ultimately benefiting students.

Common Types of Professional Development For Educators

Approaches Description
Workshops These courses include participating in structured classes or workshops led by experts in specific areas. They also focus on skill development, pedagogical techniques, and content knowledge.
Observation Visits These approaches include visiting other educational institutions to observe various teaching methods. They also focus on classroom management strategies and student engagement techniques firsthand.
Coaching These approaches include one-on-one or group sessions with a mentor or coach who provides personalised guidance. They also focus on feedback and support to improve teaching practices.
Peer Observation These approaches include collaborating with colleagues within the same institution to observe each other’s teaching methods. They also focus on exchanging feedback and sharing best practices.
Qualification programmes These approaches include enrolling in formal education programmes, such as graduate degrees, teaching certifications, and specialised courses. These help professionals enhance their expertise.
Seminars These approaches include participating in conferences, seminars, and PD events where faculty come together and discuss innovative teaching approaches and current trends in education.
Research These approaches include conducting independent or collaborative research projects to investigate effective teaching strategies and curriculum development.

 

Related: Top 10 Innovative Teaching Methods That Can Revolutionise The Modern Classroom

What Are The Benefits of Professional Development Programmes?

  • Increase in Salary

If you are a faculty or teacher and willing to improve your teaching skills, you can opt for these courses these will not only help you to enhance your skills but also it can lead you to higher salaries. Schools and colleges often pay more to teachers who have extra skills.

Remember we mentioned Mrs. Sharma earlier, your favourite teacher? If she completes a course like Google Certified Educators or Microsoft Certified Educators, she can earn more than a teacher who only knows a subject well.

  • Better Organisational Skills

In 2024, according to one of the published articles on upEDUCATORS, teachers must be good at organising things. They usually have loads of paperwork like documents, report cards, assignments and homework.

  • Updated Skills and Resume

The corporate world always needs employees who have the skills to thrive in an ever-changing environment, What are the factors which help to decide an employer for shortlisting a candidate? Yes, it is resume!  According to Indeed.com, employers barely take a look at a resume for 6 to 7 seconds and an attractive resume always has a higher chance of getting the job.

  • New Teaching Methods

After going through the blog we have seen how a PD programme can influence the learning process in the classroom positively through increased salary and better organisational skills. However, the Professional Development programmes can also provide new and innovative ways of teaching to educators.

Conclusion

Faculty and teachers are the future of our young generations, and PD programmes are an investment in the education system. By providing teachers with the support and resources they need to develop their skills and knowledge, we can ensure all students get a high-quality education.

After all, passionate teachers like Mrs. Sharma are the ones who truly shape young minds and inspire future generations.


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