Professional Development for Teachers, Tips from a Former Teacher

With all of the changes in the educational technology world, it is no secret that staying up to date is one of the best ways for teachers to make a difference in students’ lives.

There has long been the notion that students feel like what they are learning in the classroom cannot be applied to real-life skills. Staying up to date with technology and the latest educational developments is how teachers can combat this notion and prove it untrue.

So, how do you develop yourself as a teacher? The answer lies in Professional Development. Zack Isakow, a previous social studies, Judaic studies and history teacher in his hometown of Toronto, Canada did just that. Here are his tips on how to stay up to date and invest in your personal professional development.

1. Choose professional development content that engages you. Do not waste your time on courses that you do not care to learn from. Find an edtech tool you like and learn how to use it.
2. Ask your school for grants and see what options you could apply to.
3. Be active. Find what conferences and webinars you want to attend and pitch them to your school.
4. Go to EdModo webinars for really great content. You will start really looking forward to them.
5. Try certificate programs like an education technology certificate through a university. This is a really cool one since afterwards you will be certified on the topic.

Zack stresses how huge professional development was for his teaching. The development enabled him to come to school and pass on his knowledge to enrich other educators, make more money and be more involved in his school.

Teaching is a unique field. As a teacher, you not only teach, but are taught as well. Like the famous philosopher Socrates once said, “I know that I know nothing”. Of course, you can become an expert in your field, but that means you are constantly engaging in ways to develop yourself.