Monday, November 30, 2009

Understanding the importance of professional development and personal growth

Before I got my first job I knew that teachers were required to attend professional devlopment seminars in order to renew their certifications, but I did not know much else about it. After attending my first district-wide staff development sessions this summer, I began to see some of the benefits. I felt like I really got to know other teachers, got a good idea of how to use the curriculum, and built relationships with some of the leaders in the district.

Now, after teaching for a semester, and having created and attended more professional development sessions, I have definitely developed an understanding about why professional development is so important. Even just working with a few older teachers who aren't as up-to-date on new teaching pedagogy has made me see how it would be easy to get set in your ways and not want to learn about new ideas.

I hope that even if I teach for 40 years, that I am still open to new ideas and continue to develop my teaching skills and keep myself informed on new trends and theories in the education field.

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