Teachers as Learners

     According to Education Week, professional development “refers to ongoing learning opportunities available to teachers and other education personnel through their schools and districts”.  I think the key word here is ongoing.  It is vitally important to offer relevant teaching strategies, hands-on workshops and applicable information for teachers but it is equally important to provide continued collaboration and support for those offerings.

     Recently, I had the most amazing opportunity to be part of a professional development that I helped facilitate.  One thing is very clear: teachers are the best learners.  They arrive ready to learn, to advance, to try something new and to bring something back to their classrooms that is exciting and engaging for their students.  There is no doubt that most teachers are the best students.  

     I found it most interesting that the single request noted in the reflection process at the end of the session was on-going support.  It wasn’t a classroom pack of iPads (although that would be nice), or fancy computer software, or expensive books and materials; it was simply continued support and collaboration.  Our teachers are asking to work more!  They want more time to work, to collaborate, to explore, to experiment.  Isn’t that what we expect of our students?  How can we propel teachers into a pool of new knowledge and then leave them without a life jacket?  With the demands teachers have today it is vital that we provide the tools and support necessary for them to do their job successfully.  As teachers, we provide every opportunity possible to help students in their learning; shouldn’t we do the same for the teachers?