Is Professional Development Still Worth the Investment?

Recently school district administrators are look ways to cut their budgets due to declines in local state funding.  Some administrators are asking whether professional development workshops are worth the investment.  I’ve found professional development workshops to be very valuable for the teachers and staff who have been involved.  The teachers benefit from learning new information and gaining a different teaching perspective. Also, teachers who have been working at a school for a long time can benefit from a fresh perspective.  During some professional development sessions we have talked about how to improve communication with students, academic success strategies and how to manage stress.  It is amazing how many teachers do not take time off of work to re-energize.  

A presentation by someone who is an expert in their field can get the attention of staff who have worked for long time. The presenter may have worked in different kinds of school environments so that he/she is sensitive to your schools challenges in terms of resources to effectively teach your students. Your school does not need to be stuck in the ways that things were done in the past.  A professional development workshop can help the participants to catch on to the new vision that you are implementing in your school district. There are several benefits that professional developments can provide.

1.  A better response to change

2.  Improved communication among teachers and students

3.  The ability to engage in meaningful problem solving

4.  Inspire teachers to pursue additional education

5.  Learn how to handle conflicts so that you create a winning response

6.  Improve communication with the parents

7. Learn how to implement a college going culture

8. How to manage stress

It is important for teachers, principals and superintendents to take care of the whole person which includes their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development.   A good professional development can help the staff to improve their own stress management.  Healthy teachers contribute to a healthy school environment.  Sometimes it only takes a half hour of walking a few days a week to get results. Walking helps educators and other professionals to live a longer life. 

The key to a successful professional development is awareness of he needs of faculty and administration.  A survey may be one way to uncover the needs of the administration, staff and students.  Give the participant ample opportunities to comment and to make suggestions.  You will get greater investment in the professional development when it is based on the participant’s suggestions.  Most teachers want to do a better job and they can benefit the students when they are included in the professional development discussion. If you are looking for a professional development or want to discuss this topic further contact Dr. Stephen Jones at stephenjoness@rcn.com. http://www.DrStephenJones.net

To Twitter of Not to Twitter

A few months ago I read an article about social networks and Twitter was a frequent topic. I had already joined at least five social networks. Why should I add one more? At first I tried to ignore the different articles that mentioned Twitter but then I decided to take a look to see what it’s all about.

I started out by following a few friends for a few weeks but then it made no sense so I went back to Facebook. I found that I had many friends on Facebook and Linkedin so I figured I would commit more time to find out about these powerful social networks. Each social network seems to have its own niche. It’s fun to see updated pictures and share the latest events in the participant’s lives. Some social networks help people to make business connections.

After reading a few more detailed Twitter articles, I decided to go back on the web to check it out. The light bulb went on in my head about the power of the Twitter community. I could follow people and they could follow me. I learned to share information while using 140 characters. My focus has been to provide education information to my followers and all who may be interested. There are many sincere people who list their website URL’s and reply to people who are seeking information.

Twitter has bought out my creativity. I try to share a unique quote every day. Sending out a word of encouragement plants seeds of healthy living throughout the Twitter network. You can also use Twitter Chat to reach groups of people who are rapidly communicating their thoughts. After you enter the website submits a topic that interests you to see if people are communicating their thoughts. While learning many things on Twitter you will have to be persistent but their always seems to be a benefit.

Twitter offers an opportunity for you to share your best rated websites. You can find out all kinds of information from people who are sharing their websites. The 140 characters also allows for a brief description of different URLs. Be ready to find good information when you least expect it. You will receive replies from people who are thankful that you are following them.

Twitter has a unique way of involving the We Generation. Sometimes Twitter gets over capacity because there are so many people using it at the same time. Even legislators have gotten into the act. They are sharing their opinions with their followers while they are making decisions on government policies. It is an opportunity to get instant feedback on a particular policy.

Now it is clear to me that following Twitter is worth the investment of my time. I Twitter every day two to three times a day. Rapid changes due to technology advances require people who can communicate swiftly. I have found a new network home in Twitter. You can find all of the wonderful twists and turns that make people unique. On Twitter your thoughts will become an extension of your reality.