Continued professional development shouldn’t get lost in the hustle and bustle of the school year
I’m writing this as I head home from this year’s TCTELA conference in Frisco – a conference that always offers great speakers and new learning. I get to see other literacy leaders who I may not have seen for months. I get to kick back (after I present my own session), learn, and have a good time.
While I had a great time socializing and networking, I also left inspired by the speakers and the new things I had learned. I was making an investment in my continued professional development.
And since my January theme is setting intentions, I’m going to throw it out there that maybe one of your intentions should relate to your continued professional development.
I know that most of you have to attend required training sessions. But what do you want to learn? How do you want to improve? I would suggest taking an active role in your professional development. Seek out sessions that you think would help you grow. Ask your administration if you can attend a specific training and if they will pay for it. Worst case scenario they say “no.” Maybe next time they will say “yes.”
But maybe your development goals are bigger. Is it time to get that master’s degree? Study to add a certification? Attend an institute? Don’t limit your goals to one-day sessions at your service center if you really want to grow.
My point is: don’t sit on the sidelines of your own development. Be an active participant. Find and even seek out opportunities to grow. Figure out where you want to go and how you need to get there.
So if you’ve already set your intentions, consider adding one about your own development. If you haven’t set your intentions yet, there’s no time like the present.