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When Teachers Say: "Who professional development help?"🙂
When Teachers Say: "Who professional development help?"🙂
"How much are you paid?"
"How much are you paid?"
"Does this really matter?"
"Does this really matter?"
"I have better things to do with my time! "
"I have better things to do with my time! "
"It's not worth it".
"It's not worth it".
"I don't have money to pay for any training".
"I don't have money to pay for any training".
These are some statements made by a few teachers when they hear the word "Professional Development". There is often a lack of interest and motivation.
These are some statements made by a few teachers when they hear the word "Professional Development". There is often a lack of interest and motivation.
But here's the truth:
But here's the truth:
As educators, we need to understand that information and the global village are changing daily and with that, the need to evolve becomes more critical than ever.
As educators, we need to understand that information and the global village are changing daily and with that, the need to evolve becomes more critical than ever.
My Turning Point
My Turning Point
I was like most teachers who also didn't know anything about professional development. I loved developing myself, but I focused more on writing research papers and looking for conferences where I could present them.
I was like most teachers who also didn't know anything about professional development. I loved developing myself, but I focused more on writing research papers and looking for conferences where I could present them.
Then one day, I visited a friend who was a lecturer at a Nigerian University. This was about a year after Covid-19 lockdown. During our conversation, she mentioned how she got through the lock down by taking free on-line courses.
Then one day, I visited a friend who was a lecturer at a Nigerian University. This was about a year after Covid-19 lockdown. During our conversation, she mentioned how she got through the lock down by taking free on-line courses.
That statement sparked my curiosity. I got back home and started searching for free online courses. That's when I earned my first free online certificate in "How to teach online" back in 2021.
That statement sparked my curiosity. I got back home and started searching for free online courses. That's when I earned my first free online certificate in "How to teach online" back in 2021.
That one course changed the trajectory of my career.
That one course changed the trajectory of my career.
Why It Matters
Why It Matters
As an educator, I've had the opportunity to facilitate district- level professional development, and more importantly, to enhance my skills through continuous learning.
As an educator, I've had the opportunity to facilitate district- level professional development, and more importantly, to enhance my skills through continuous learning.
I believe that professional development is essential in education, as it helps you stay current, confident, and capable in your teaching practice.
I believe that professional development is essential in education, as it helps you stay current, confident, and capable in your teaching practice.
“The education of a man is never completed until he dies.”― Robert E. Lee
“The education of a man is never completed until he dies.”― Robert E. Lee
The Nigerian Context
The Nigerian Context
As someone who has taught various age groups from early years to adult learners in Nigeria and is currently teaching in the United States, I can confidently say:
As someone who has taught various age groups from early years to adult learners in Nigeria and is currently teaching in the United States, I can confidently say:
We don't get enough professional developments opportunities in Nigeria, nor are we even motivated to attend one.
We don't get enough professional developments opportunities in Nigeria, nor are we even motivated to attend one.
My Advice to Fellow Educators
My Advice to Fellow Educators
Take every opportunity you get and attend professional development sessions, especially if they are free.
Take every opportunity you get and attend professional development sessions, especially if they are free.
It takes nothing from you except your time, but in return, you gain:
It takes nothing from you except your time, but in return, you gain:
- Valuable classroom strategies
- Up-to-date Knowledge
- A certificate to show that you are someone who is committed to grow professionally
You never know when that certificate or experience will open doors for you.
You never know when that certificate or experience will open doors for you.
What I'm Doing Now
What I'm Doing Now
As an Educator who strives to lead by example, I'm currently undergoing a year-long professional development program on Instructional coaching. It's not just about adding to my resume, It's about being better equipped to serve students, support colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to the field of education.
As an Educator who strives to lead by example, I'm currently undergoing a year-long professional development program on Instructional coaching. It's not just about adding to my resume, It's about being better equipped to serve students, support colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to the field of education.
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