Young teachers yearn for the day when they would know their craft so well, be so competent, so experienced and so powerful, that they would walk into any classroom without feeling afraid. And for them to achieve this there is a need for professional development.
Teacher’s professional development is a process of enhancing teachers’ status through increased awareness and an expanding knowledge base. Professional development is essential for every individual, whether employed or not. It is vital for every organization to increase the knowledge and skills of their employees. They should strive to enhance the quality of performance, to ensure an improvement on the personal and professional front. A professional development program boosts the individual’s career, through travel, research, workshops and seminars and by working with professionals who are experienced.
It is a major problem if a teacher has not much knowledge even about his own subjects. Professional development of teachers is now recognized as an important component of policies which enhanced interest in research that identifies feature and importance of effective professional learning. Today funds are allocated to promote professional development programs. Through this, opportunities are provided. We all know that great teacher creates great pupils and different sectors look at pupils’ achievements related to the performance of their teachers.
Professional development is like a model which takes cares of knowledge, skills and attitude and in other words professional development programs should involve head, hand and heart. It updates us to maintain awareness of new developments in teaching and learning. It also supports policy making, planning, implementation and evaluation of a teacher education. More so, it promotes continuous development.
The worth of professional development for a teacher is immeasurable. Professional development creates educational reforms that not only update the skills and knowledge of teacher but also enhances the pupils’ productivity and achievements. Indeed, professional development in a broader way develops a person in his or her professional role.
By: Jenalyn D. Padre | Teacher II | Ipag Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan
