So I am making you create a professional development plan when most schools are freezing their pay scales - what value do you see professional development offers you as a teacher? a person? A parent? A Professional? What can you be your intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to stay current?
My Response:
Assuming this question is specifically referring to me as a teacher, professional development plans add value to my role as a...
- ... teacher because they provide a opportunity to brainstorm different methods that could be used in the classroom. Effective, efficient, and appealing teachers are not stagnant. They want to grow, learn, and experiment. Professional development plans provide the ideas and the goals.
- ... person because they encourage growth. They force someone to take a step back, analyze their current abilities, and make a plan that may take them out of their comfort zone.
- ... parent because it is a snowball effect. Creating a professional development plan for my job as a teacher may lead me to think about other areas of my life that need improvement.
- ... professional because they help me stand out among other teachers. Even with schools freezing their pay scales, I can still be recognized and sought out for advice. Pay scales will not be frozen forever, and there may be other opportunities for advancement. Additionally, a teacher who creates and follows through on a professional development plan shows great character and drive. Administrators will notice this.
For me, intrinsic motivation must come from a desire to improve. Additionally, the goals I set for myself must be reasonable, attainable, and interesting. Generally, I can tell whether or not I will fulfill a goal the moment I think of it. If I have a long-term goal that is overwhelming, setting a plan with many steps to reach that goal will be more motivating because I can see progress.
My extrinsic motivation will come from the opportunities that I will have through making and keeping a professional development plan. I may apply for grants, seek a raise, or desire to have more responsibilities. Additionally, part of my extrinsic motivation will be having a deadline. Since there is a school calendar, I can set due dates for myself, knowing that if I miss the date, my students may not reap the benefit of my work.
Emily, I like that you addressed the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for plans.I also agree that one of the keys to the successful fulfillment of a plan--professional development or not--is to make the goals attainable and reasonable. In relation to that you addressed that if a goal seems daunting you should break it up into steps so that you can see your progress as you approach the finish line. That is so important. If you set a goal to run a marathon, few people would have success reaching that goal unless they set up smaller distance goals in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't really thought of it in that way--breaking up the long term goals into possibly multiple short term goals to make it more of a progression. It seems so obvious now.
At least, I think that's what you were trying to say...
I think teachers can really struggle with stepping out of their comfort zones. I like that you included that aspect. It is so important that we stay current and open minded to the new resources available to us as educators.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right in saying that professional development is for the individual. Obviously, others benefit (students, faculty and district as a whole), but it is the individual teacher who is developing into a better instructional leader in the classroom. Although we don't do it for others to notice, they DO, and principals and other district leaders recognize this over the course of a teacher's career. When leaders are needed, it is those who have been proactive in their professional development that will be incorporated into leadership positions. Rewarded with pay?...not going to happen in our Oklahoma economy, but National Board Certification does recognize the value of the rigorous certification process. It is unique to our profession that outstanding teachers do many "extras" for the good of the students unlike the motivation to climb a corporate ladder as with other careers.
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