We are all aware that education is constantly changing- sometimes for the better, and sometimes for the worse. One of the items that gets caught up in this ebb and flow is professional development.
We hear from many people that school systems are no longer allowing teachers to attend conferences or workshops. Some will not even give teachers the release time to attend events even if the teacher pays for it. Additionally, time set aside during the school year for teacher in-services is dwindling and when it does exist, is usually set aside for topics that affect the entire school.
CSTA wants to help you. We value professional growth and hope you do also. But we need to know how to help you and what your needs are.
What should professional development look like in the face of the current education changes?
What does your school allow you to do for professional development?
What’s required of you by your individual state to keep your licenses current?
Please help us help you by posting a few comments that will help us shape professional development offerings in the future!
Mindy Hart
Chair, CSTA Professional Development Committee
What should professional development look like in the face of the current education changes?
With the fact that computer science teachers are so spread out, I think that PD should occur during the school year and should utilize cloud computing, such as an Elluminate Session. It can be recorded then teachers can view it when it is convenient.
What does your school allow you to do for professional development?
I can do participate in any professional development I wish as long as I am willing to pay for it myself and take personal time if it is during working hours.
What’s required of you by your individual state to keep your licenses current?
Since I have a California Life Credential, I am not required to complete professional development. The newer credentials in California need to be renewed every 5 years and teachers are on their honor to complete professional development.
Professional development used to be at the heart of schools – it seems through the years, as you discuss in your blog, this has changed significantly. As a representative of a company that provides professional development, I myself, have two concerns: 1) Teachers that do not want professional development b/c it may not be required and 2) Teachers that are begging for it but the school doesn’t make it available. Somehow, there must be a good balance of requirements and interest. Bottom line, the administration of schools needs to wake up!
Thanks for a great resource!