The way we teach is continually developing. The many new teaching methodologies, technology, and the growing list of student needs all contribute to making today’s classroom experience vastly different from those of the past. In this ever-changing landscape, teachers cannot rely solely upon the knowledge and information they acquired when they first became certified. Continuing professional development (CPD) is an important component in ensuring that teachers continue to be highly competent, confident professionals in their line of work.
It has been said that a teacher’s professional development is not just about participating in periodic workshops. Rather, it encompasses a lifelong commitment to continuous learning, reflection, and personal/professional growth. When a teacher continues to develop professionally, he/she is directly influencing the quality of education provided to his/her students. This article provides background information regarding why ongoing learning is so significant for teachers, how it influences student achievement, and practical suggestions that teachers can utilize in order to continue to be up-to-date in their chosen field.
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Understanding the Concept of Continuous Professional Development
What Does CPD Mean in Relation to Education?
Continuing professional development means the ongoing acquisition of new knowledge, refinement of existing skills and/or enhancement of teaching methodology/practices. It encompasses both formal continuing education experiences (e.g., workshops, seminar presentations, etc.) and informal continuing education experiences (e.g., conversations with peers, independent study/learning through self-reflection and/or observation of one’s own practice).
Unlike continuing education requirements, which are typically viewed as single-occurrence events, CPD represents a journey – not an event. Thus, CPD enables teachers to become better equipped to deal with new developments/issues related to their students’ needs, while simultaneously enhancing their capacity to develop curriculum plans that result in high-quality lessons.
Why Initial Teacher Preparation Programs Are Insufficient
Teacher preparation programs provide teachers with a solid foundation for beginning their careers as professionals. However, they cannot possibly prepare teachers for every situation that may occur in the classroom. Classrooms are living laboratories as each day unfolds, students’ needs, learning style preferences, and expectations for society evolve. If teachers do not continue to learn and grow professionally, they will likely find themselves unable to keep pace with these changing circumstances.
Benefits of CPD
1. Enhanced Teaching Practices
Engaging in ongoing learning opportunities enables teachers to improve their instructional practices. By exploring alternative instructional practices/methodologies, teachers are able to determine innovative ways to explain abstract concepts, establish classroom environments conducive to student engagement/participation, and develop strategies to assist students with varying levels of readiness for certain tasks/activities.
For example, a teacher who acquires knowledge about interactive teaching practices may transition from delivering lengthy lectures to using small groups and/or projects to facilitate discussion/dialogue among students. Such a transformation may increase the level of engagement/stimulation for students, thereby increasing comprehension/mastery of lesson content.
2. Positive Effects Upon Student Achievement
When teachers acquire new knowledge/skills as a direct result of their participation in CPD experiences, students reap the rewards. The adoption of more contemporary approaches to teaching is frequently accompanied by enhanced student outcomes (i.e., increased motivation; improved comprehension of lesson content; greater proficiency at demonstrating mastery of curricular objectives).
As previously mentioned, teachers who have engaged in CPD experiences are capable of identifying unique characteristics and needs associated with each of their students. Consequently, they can modify instruction to meet the needs of students who require accommodations/enhancements in addition to providing instruction tailored to meet the needs of students requiring enrichment opportunities.
3. Increased Confidence Within the Classroom
Confidence is a critical factor in enabling teachers to be effective practitioners. Teachers who consistently pursue opportunities to enhance their knowledge base feel more assured/confident when addressing the varied challenges presented by their students. They are more likely to possess a sense of competence, feel less stressed/anxious about dealing with unforeseen problems/issues, and are therefore better equipped to promote optimal learning conditions for their students.
Through continued involvement in CPD experiences, teachers obtain the tools/knowledge necessary to overcome obstacles/challenges they encounter in their classrooms.
4. Familiarity With Contemporary Educational Technologies
In recent years, technological advancements have greatly impacted the manner in which education is delivered. Many schools/districts have developed or adopted digital learning systems/platforms used by instructors to support instruction (e.g., virtual whiteboards; educational apps/software); assess student progress (e.g., online quizzes/tests; rubrics); and provide feedback on student performance (e.g., digital portfolios). For teachers to successfully utilize these technologies for instructional purposes, they must possess some degree of familiarity with them.
Participating in CPD experiences enables teachers to remain knowledgeable about emerging technologies and incorporate them into their daily instructional routines. Moreover, this enables them to prepare their students for future success in a technologically based society.
5. Opportunity for Advancement Within One’s Profession
Participating in CPD experiences creates opportunities for career advancement. A teacher who participates in CPD experiences may be qualified for additional responsibility within her/his institution (e.g., department head; mentorship program coordinator); participate in specialized roles (e.g., reading specialist); or assume positions outside of her/his school district (e.g., state consultant).
Additionally, continued professional development can serve as evidence of a teacher’s commitment and dedication to his/her craft. Such a demonstration can result in recognition/appreciation from administrators/school districts/state departments.
Important Areas of Focus for Professional Development
Teaching Methodology/Strategies
Teachers can seek out multiple approaches/models/methodologies concerning how best to present/instruct material. Some examples include: differentiated instruction; cooperative/peer group activities/student-centred instruction; and other methodologies designed to allow for differences among students (based on abilities, interests, prior knowledge/experiences).
Classroom Management
Establishing an orderly/classroom management system is an integral aspect of being successful as an instructor. An instructor trained in this regard is better able to maintain order/structure throughout a lesson/activity; create an atmosphere conducive to active learning/participation; and resolve conflict/problems positively/calmly.
Subject Matter Knowledge
Maintaining current knowledge/relevance in relation to a specific subject matter is critical. Each year brings new findings/discoveries pertaining to subjects being taught. Therefore, teachers should continually ensure that the subject matter they present/teach remains current/relevant.
Assessment Techniques
Traditional testing/evaluation processes are giving way to newer models of evaluation (e.g., formative assessments/feed-back mechanisms/performance-based assessments). Through training in these areas, teachers are better equipped to monitor progress/make adjustments with respect to their students’ learning.
Practical ways to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as a Teacher
1. Attend workshops & seminars
Attendee workshops and seminars allow you to attend lectures from industry professionals and interact with your fellow teachers. Most workshops and seminars include hands-on demonstrations and/or presentations about how to use various techniques in the classroom.
2. Join Professional Learning Communities
Working together as professionals is one of the most valuable tools available. A learning community is where teachers come together to share experiences, discuss solutions to common problems, etc.,.
3. Obtain further education
Pursuing higher education will enhance your skills and give you new qualifications. Once you have completed this type of course/program, you will probably become more skilled at your job and be eligible for promotions within your school district.
4. Evaluate Your Teaching Methods
One of the simplest ways to continue improving as a teacher is through self-assessment. Self-evaluation of your methods can help you determine what you’re doing right and wrong.
To begin this method, simply evaluate each lesson you teach using the following questions:
1. What went well?
2. What didn’t go well?
3. How did the students react?
This process should help you continually improve.
5. Utilize Web-Based Resources
There are many types of educational materials available to teachers via the Internet. Some examples include video tutorials, podcasts, articles, and live webinars. The best part of utilizing web-based resources is that they can be accessed at any time, allowing teachers flexibility in when they do their continuing education.
Challenges Facing Continuing Professional Development
Limited Time
As a result of having large workloads, finding time to pursue continuing education is often a challenge for teachers. Juggling responsibilities such as teaching classes while pursuing continuing education can be stressful and overwhelming.
Financial Barriers
Continuing education requires money. If there is no funding available for continuing education, then the opportunity for continuing education may not exist.
Lack of School-Sponsored Support
When schools fail to provide sufficient support for continuing education, it becomes much harder for teachers to participate in continuing education opportunities.
To conclude, continuous professional development is an important element of continuing to be an effective teacher. The changes that are happening in education make it necessary for teachers to continually grow professionally so they can enhance their ability to teach effectively and contribute positively to student achievement. Although some factors (i.e., time, money) may limit how teachers pursue additional training/education, there are many inexpensive and easy-to-use resources available to help teachers develop personally and professionally. When educators embrace growth and learning opportunities, the result is improved performance by both the educator and his/her students. In addition, when educators have a personal commitment to lifelong learning, this attitude will contribute positively toward creating a supportive environment for all students.
