Summer Professional Development
For many teachers, the months of summer provide an opportunity for professional development, along with, hopefully, rest and relaxation! This week, we offer a series of tips to promote professional development throughout the weeks between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next.
This Week's Tips
Attend a Professional Conference (Monday)
Research conferences for educators and locate one that appeals to you both professionally and personally. Visit the Center for Professional Development at www.pdkintl.org for listings of conferences for educators. Visit your state Department of Education website to discover summer workshops where you will not only network with colleagues from other districts, but also collect a plethora of materials for classroom use. Your professional affiliations may offer summer conferences or workshops.
Enroll in a College Course (Tuesday)
Seek information from local colleges or universities about summer classes or workshops. Many college campuses offer stimulating, interactive, condensed courses that not only invigorate teachers as life-long learners, but also equip them with new teaching ideas they can carry to their classrooms in the fall. From the ordinary summer-term class to Shakespearean festivals, ecological camping trips, writers’ camps, or archeological digs, institutions of higher learning often cater to local educators during the summer months. Many courses are offered at lower rates and at special times for educators.
Participate in Division Offerings (Wednesday)
Contribute to your school system by getting involved. Whether professional development, curriculum development, textbook adoption, technological advancement, or special student programs–whatever the need, consider getting involved. Such involvement allows you to network, voice your opinion, collect information, and possibly even influence classrooms division-wide.
Catch Up on Reading Professional Books and Journals (Thursday)
Match your professional interest to professional readings. Browse the shelves of the local bookstore or visit one of the larger bookstores online to investigate titles dealing with educational topics. Consider organizing a professional book group to discuss selected works throughout the summer.
Rest, Relax, and Renew (Friday)
Perhaps the most effective therapy for teachers is to rest, relax, and renew the spirit. Educating is demanding, emotionally and physically. Summer is the time to prepare mind, body, and spirit for the upcoming school term.
