Making time for professional development: Top tips for teachers
One of the biggest hurdles teachers face when it comes to expanding professional learning is finding enough time to dedicate each day. With the chaos of the classroom and the much-needed summer break, fitting another thing into your packed day can sometimes feel daunting.
Keep reading for tips to make online professional learning a priority each week for a more engaged classroom and smoother schedule.
Choose your online professional development wisely
The first step in starting your online professional development journey is choosing the right program. There are many options available, so take the time to research and select a program that aligns with your professional goals and interests. Learn Promethean is a free online learning community designed just for teachers to jumpstart their skillset with Promethean tools.
Create a schedule
Online professional development requires self-discipline, so it’s important to create a schedule that works for you. Set aside dedicated time each week for your professional development activities and stick to your schedule.
Engage with the material
To get the most out of your online professional development, engage with the material. Take notes, participate in discussions, and complete any assignments or activities. This will help you to retain the information and apply it in your teaching practice.
Collaborate with your peers
Online professional development offers the opportunity to collaborate with other educators from around the world. Take advantage of this by participating in discussions and sharing ideas with your peers. This can lead to valuable insights and new teaching strategies.
Set a goal
It can be overwhelming to navigate through all the professional learning resources available online. Setting clear weekly or monthly goals and blocking off designated time on your calendar helps you stay on track and achieve short-term and long-term goals.
Seek feedback
As you engage with your online content, seek feedback from your peers and instructors. This can help you to identify areas where you can improve and refine your teaching practice.
Apply what you learn
The ultimate goal of online professional development is to apply what you learn in your teaching practice. Take the time to reflect on how you can integrate new strategies and techniques into your classroom.