Professional Development

Lastly, the fifth area of reflection for educators is professional development. Education is a profession of continuous learning. This field is continually changing with new strategies, programs, initiatives, and directives. Quality professional development is key to becoming and remaining a successful teacher or school administrator. 

Think of the last professional development activity you were a participant. Was it beneficial to you in your practice as an educator? Did the event address adult learning principles and allow for hands-on activities and interaction? Quality professional development or workshops should enable you to learn new instructional strategies, techniques, or tips. It should also allow you to interact with other participants and give time for independent practice and reflection.

Selecting professional development or workshops is a reflective process. Before enrolling in a course or workshop, think about how the new learning benefits you as a professional. Will it improve teaching and learning in the classroom or school-wide? Is the new knowledge a part of a long or short term goal? Why is the workshop vital to you or staff members in your building?

In closing, these areas of reflection for educators are a few of what could be many others. The five presented in this post are essential to improving the educational process in our schools. Teachers, principals, students, and staff members each represent one part of a whole. A school needs each working piece to be responsible and reflective about their role. So as educators, let’s buck the trend of not being reflective. Take a good look at yourself and start to make changes.

Resources

https://schoolguide.casel.org/focus-area-2/learn/reflecting-on-personal-sel-skills/

https://www.thoughtco.com/self-reflection-for-success-in-teaching-2081942

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