There is no better time than the New Year to provide staff and students all that they need to succeed. In our upcoming blog posts, we will focus on a series called “Just in Time.” The series will contain a host of blog posts that focus on providing high-impact, timely support to those who need it most and providing it just how they need it! In this article, we will focus on the way in which we support school staff.
Take a moment to reflect on the way professional development is selected to support the staff at your school. What is the tone in the room when the educators gather for a required professional development? Are they excited and eager to learn or are they feeling defeated because they have to listen to something else that is not relevant to their unique needs? If the latter is the case, it is time to take a deep dive into the type of professional development diet you are feeding the educators in your school.
Are you providing a balanced diet?
Think about the major food groups needed in a healthy diet. A balanced diet consists of nutrients gained from fruits and vegetables, proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Do the educators in your school receive a diet that is rich in nutrients? Are they receiving a varied diet to meet their unique dietary needs? When educators are presented with a uniform professional development program that does not address their needs, it leads to a sense of neglect. Just like a nutritionist would dig-in and develop a deep understanding of the goals and dietary needs of their client, school leaders should consider conducting a thorough needs assessment to understand the individual and collective requirements of educator in their building. This could involve surveys, interviews, or observations to identify areas where educators feel they need additional support or skill development. Since teachers often specialize in specific subjects or grade levels, each with its own set of challenges and requirements, a generic one-size-fits-all approach may not differentiate between the level of needs. Honoring their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and teaching styles in the professional development that is selected provides teachers the fuel that they need.
Is the diet sustainable?
A balanced diet is essential for long-term health, and ongoing professional development is necessary for the sustained growth of educators. Continuous learning opportunities contribute to educators’ professional well-being, helping them stay updated on educational trends and best practices. Also, a healthy diet considers timing. Similarly, professional development should be timely and relevant. It should address current challenges and incorporate the latest research and innovations in education. Intentional collaborative professional development opportunities coupled with a diverse menu of ways to learn, such as workshops, seminars, online courses, conferences, mentorship programs, and collaborative learning communities, affords educators opportunities to share best practices, discuss challenges, and work together on projects.
Is it time to consult with an expert?
External experts and consultants can reinvigorate a school staff if the services they provide are believable and relevant. Do not fear seeking out experts to support your staff with specialized training. If bringing in external experts is not possible, consider supporting self-directed learning by providing resources and support for teachers to pursue their own professional development initiatives, like access to online courses, educational literature, or participation in relevant conferences. Providing teachers voice and choice in the professional development in which they engage can be very powerful. Also, job-embedded opportunities support balancing the professional learning “diet” of educators. This could involve coaching, mentoring, or collaborative planning sessions that align with specific challenges teachers face in their classrooms. Look to your teacher-leaders to support important initiatives in your building.
As you plan your professional development opportunities for the Spring semester, consider providing staff with a nutrient rich “diet” of learning by providing a diverse menu of professional development options. Offering a menu of options accommodates different learning styles and preferences. Allocate dedicated time and resources within the school schedule to support meaningful development activities. The expectation for teachers is that they should differentiate to meet the individual needs for their students, and as education leaders, it is time to shift our professional development opportunities to a more differentiated model to provide “just in time” support. If you are looking for a way to balance out the diet you are feeding your staff, take a moment to look at Educator’s Forte for course offerings that are relevant, sustainable, and scientific, and ready to help your staff grow; after all, growing teachers is our forte!
To learn more, visit our Courses page in the top right of your screen.