Educators can receive a variety of types of professional development using a variety of methodologies and tools. Anyone whose primary job function is to provide instruction to others is referred to as an educator. Educators include teachers, lecturers, professors, and course instructors.
Professional development is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of courses, seminars, and workshops. These programs are designed for experienced professionals who want to keep their skills up to date and learn about new initiatives. A large number of professional careers have a requirement for continuing education, with a set number of courses or hours of instruction required each year to keep a license or certification current. All educators are assumed to have completed post-secondary education in teaching or a related field.
A one-day seminar is one of the most popular professional development options for educators. Classroom management, technology, and the impact of socioeconomic policy on literacy are all possible topics. A well-known subject matter expert usually hosts or moderates the sessions. A morning lecture is usually followed an interactive discussion session in the afternoon. Educators have the opportunity to share their own experiences and debate the morning’s material.
Another type of professional development for educators is courses offered a local university or teachers college. These courses are offered in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate educators’ busy schedules. Some courses consist entirely of lectures, while others include both lectures and student presentations.
Educators are increasingly turning to online training programs for professional development. These programs can be completed at the educator’s leisure, from the comfort of their own home. He or she can access course materials, listen to recorded lectures, and submit assignments using a computer and the Internet. Most programs include a moderated discussion board where students can discuss the course material and related issues with one another.
Professional development days are built into almost every educational institute’s school schedule. These days are dedicated to providing all teachers with updated instructions, learning new course management software, discussing pressing issues, and sharing experiences. A significant portion of professional development entails the exchange of old and new ideas, as well as discussions about how to put these ideas into practice to benefit today’s students. Because this field is always changing to meet the needs of both students and employers, it is critical for educators to maintain a regular schedule of professional development.