In many professions, it is common to take professional development courses in order to improve skills. For teachers, this is especially important as the field is constantly changing – just look at the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are a teacher looking to improve your skills, be sure to check out the professional development skills below. You may be surprised at just how much you can learn!
Team Work
In today’s classrooms, effective teamwork is more important than ever. Teachers must work collaboratively with their colleagues to inspire, engage and educate students of all ages. Teaming draws on the strengths of each individual while addressing shared goals and objectives. Essential team work skills include understanding group dynamics, providing effective leadership, and creating a supportive environment for learning. With the right approach, team work brings success for everyone involved in the process.
Instructional Practice
Instructional practice courses are an invaluable skill for any teacher. They give the teacher the opportunity to learn new theories and techniques for helping their students understand and grow in the classroom. Additionally, teachers who take these courses are able to hone their craft and become more comfortable with teaching methods such as facilitating discussion, creating activities that engage students, as well as working with diverse students and learning styles.
Cultural Responsiveness
With growing numbers of students coming from different backgrounds and cultures in the classroom, teachers need to be prepared to meet their individual needs. One way to achieve this is by taking Culturally Responsive Instruction courses. These courses provide educators with the skills they need to create an inclusive and safe learning environment while being mindful of any potential cultural differences among the students they teach. Implementing culturally responsive teaching makes a real difference by helping all students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Communication
Communication courses are a valuable asset for teachers looking to enhance their instruction. A good communicator conveys the information needed with clarity and in an engaging manner, which can help create a cohesive and enthusiastic learning environment filled. Such courses often focus on techniques to make communication more effective, ranging from delivering well-crafted facilitation to using active listening while addressing students’ inquiries. As communication is the heart and soul of teaching, these courses help improve organization, conflict management, and instruction.
With today being the FIRST DAY of the new year, which of these four skills will you focus upon during 2023?