As an educator, ongoing learning is essential for refining teaching and management techniques to better support student learning and success. Professional development encompasses a range of activities, including traditional workshops, self-assessment, peer collaboration, experimentation, and adjusting instructional and management strategies based on student feedback and performance data. Moreover, educators engage in continuous professional growth through participation in conferences, seminars, online courses, and reading relevant literature. Through collaborative and hands-on learning experiences, educators deepen their comprehension of effective teaching methods and gain insights into the learning process itself, fostering an environment of innovation and adaptability in the classroom.
To bolster my educational community, I crafted professional development initiatives rooted in Alisson Gulamhussein's 5 Key Principles. These principles serve as the cornerstone for crafting impactful learning experiences tailored to the needs of educators.
Go and show/Alt PL presentation
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In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the five principles of effective professional learning. These principles are not only essential for improving teaching practices but also hold immense benefits for teachers, students, and the broader school community. As educators, our journey of professional development is ongoing, encompassing a variety of avenues such as workshops, certifications, and industry conferences. Staying abreast of the latest trends and best practices in our field is vital for our growth and effectiveness in the classroom. Throughout this exploration, we will outline strategies and approaches to enhance your professional learning experience, ultimately elevating your teaching practice and contributing to the success of your students and school community. Let's embark on this journey towards developing effective professional learning together.
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PD Outline/blueprint
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A professional development plan (PDP) or career plan is a flexible and dynamic document that assesses your current skills, guides you in setting short and long-term career goals, and helps you develop concrete strategies to achieve those goals. Additionally, it provides a space to identify the necessary resources and development opportunities that will enable you to progress in your professional journey effectively.
Audience and their needs
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Our target audience refers to the specific group of consumers most likely to want your product or service, and therefore, the group of people who should see your ad campaigns. Target audience may be dictated by age, gender, income, location, interests or a myriad of other factors.
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How will you foster collaboration and effective modeling?
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For the successful implementation of our program, it's essential to involve educators, as they hold a key role in providing the necessary support and advocacy for program acceptance. Our STEM/Science program team, comprising teachers and instructional coaches, will gather twice a week. Throughout these meetings, we will collectively brainstorm ideas for the week, analyze strategies, and engage in discussions regarding the program's implementation to guarantee its effectiveness. This proactive approach will promote alignment with educational objectives and amplify the overall impact of our initiative.
How will you foster self-directed learning?
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In the century we live in, most of the time we wonder if we are doing our job well as educators and how we can improve. We must constantly stay at the forefront of active learning and assessments required to excel in our roles, with passion and dedication.
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In Professional Learning meetings, we will promote Self-Directed Learning, so that the teacher can identify the needs of the students, both in learning and in the resources necessary to achieve success. Our educators will also be provided with all the tools necessary to achieve the proposed goals.
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Additionally, we will adopt the COVA approach, which will help us monitor progress through self-assessments. This method will assist us in identifying areas for improvement and making the corresponding changes, ensuring continuous growth and development in our teaching practices.
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BHAG & 3 Column Table
Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG):
"To cultivate a generation of young scientists who confidently engage in hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, fostering a deep understanding of scientific concepts and igniting a lifelong passion for inquiry and discovery."
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Schedule & Timing
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For teachers and coaches who will be part of the implementation of the STEM/Science program, they will meet at least twice a week during the planning period to discuss and create technological methods to introduce the program to the school. Improvements to the program and the learning experiences of 3rd grade students will also be discussed. If more time is necessary, the team has chosen to meet after school once a week if necessary.
Resources
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The essential resources required for initiating the STEM program in elementary schools encompass educational technology equipment, laboratory apparatus, materials for developing interactive learning modules, training resources to assist teachers, and assessment tools to gauge student advancement within the program. Furthermore, comprehensive STEM program guides and diverse activities will be indispensable. These resources will empower teachers with a range of engaging activities to seamlessly integrate into the program, catering to varied learning styles and fostering a dynamic learning environment.
PL Session Slide Deck
References:
Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the Teachers Effective Professional Development in an Era of High Stakes Accountability. Center for Public Education. Retrieved from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/system/files/2013-176_ProfessionalDevelopment.pdf
Teachers’ Essential Guide to Coding in the Classroom | Common Sense Education. (2023, December 12). Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/teachers-essential-guide-to-coding-in-the-classroom
Western Engineering Outreach. (2018). Crystal Suncatchers: A Geometry lesson
plan. Retrieved from https://www.eng.uwo.ca/outreach/files/STEM-Home/Week-18/w1835Crystal-Suncatchers.pdf