4E: Growing and Developing Professionally
This component focuses on growing as a professional educator. As a teacher, seeking to learn more about content and pedagogy is necessary. There is no end to learning, there's always more knowledge and content out there to learn. Even when teachers becomes certified, there are so many aspects in which they can improve and grow. Colleagues, educators around the world, conferences, and various other resources can help expand the knowledge of teaching.
This is important because teachers can use various methods in teaching their students; they can find ways to better fit their needs. As the years progress, teachers must keep up with the content so it's accurate and their students can learn well. Not only the content, but teachers can learn different strategies in which to use in the classroom itself; to make it a more comfortable and friendly environment. Communicating with co-workers, educators on social media, or by going to conferences will help increase this knowledge.
This is important because teachers can use various methods in teaching their students; they can find ways to better fit their needs. As the years progress, teachers must keep up with the content so it's accurate and their students can learn well. Not only the content, but teachers can learn different strategies in which to use in the classroom itself; to make it a more comfortable and friendly environment. Communicating with co-workers, educators on social media, or by going to conferences will help increase this knowledge.
Elements:
- Enhancement of Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Skill
- Receptivity to Feedback from Colleagues
- Service to the Profession
Examples of Artifacts:
Attending Conferences:
By attending conferences, teachers can gain knowledge on how to teach, as well as learning about the content themselves, keeping the content up to date. One conference is called the PDE annual conference, talking about different tools a teacher can use for their students. |
Talking to Other Educators through EdChats on Twitter:
Using Twitter EdChats is a great way to learn from colleagues about whatever topic one wishes to hear about. There is #spedcaht, focusing on special education. There is a multitude of various chats to join to grow knowledge on content and teaching. |
Pinterest:
Using Pinterest can allow teachers to grow professionally. Pinterest helps gather ideas or share ideas to fellow teachers. |
PSEA Webinars:
Webinars allow teachers to develop their knowledge of content through the internet. PSEA holds webinars, speaking about learning objectives, evaluations and such. |
Danielson, C. (2007). Enhancing professional practice a framework for teaching (2nd ed.). Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.