Professional Development
Effective PD & Using Resource Teachers
Professional Development
- determine and share learning goals
- focus (identify Greatest Areas of Need)
- meet them where they are
- model what you expect
- be safe
- have time and support attached
Learning Goals
By the end of this session you will have a clear understanding of the criteria of effective professional development.
Resource Worth Reading
The Purposeful Classroom: How to Structure Lessons with Learning Goals in Mind by Nancy Fisher and Douglas Frey
Focus
What is the focus of the PD going to be? Consider the Board Improvement Plan, School Improvement Plan, SMART goals of the department and any other areas on which you might focus. PD is most effective if it is focused.
Example: Pillar teams (Assessment and Evaluation, Literacy, Numeracy, Pathways, Mental Health, Community, Culture and Caring).
Professional Development should be invigorating and exciting not discouraging or overwhelming.
Meet Them Where They Are
Just as you would differentiate in a classroom, differentiate your PD so it is accessible for everyone. The goal is for everyone to move forward, not for everyone to get to the same place all at once.
Model What You Expect
- Three-part PD (Minds On, Action, Consolidation)
- Collaboration
- Opportunities for Dialogue and Professional Conflict
- Use protocols
- Respect time
Resource Worth Reading
Groups at Work: Strategies and Structures for Professional Learning by Bruce Wellman and Laura Lipton
Lucy West -Talk Into Action
Time
Professional Development without time to implement results in no change.
Support
Having people to support the learning along the way (instead of one and done) is essential.
Engaging
PD should be energizing!