Five Phases of Professional Development and 7 Reasons

Five Phases of Professional Development
 Building a Knowledge Base.

The purpose of this phase is to acquire new knowledge and information and to build a
conceptual understanding of it. Activities in this phase might include goal setting, assessing
needs, participating in interactive workshops, and forming a study group.
 Observing Models and Examples.

The purpose of this phase is to study instructional examples in order to develop a practical
understanding of the research. In this phase, one might participate in activities such as school
and classroom visitations, peer observation, using instructional artifacts, co-planning, and
listening to or watching audio and video examples.
 Reflecting on Your Practice.

The purpose of this phase is to analyze your instructional practice on the basis of new
knowledge. Activities in this phase might include the use of journals or teacher-authored
cases for collegial discussion and reflection.
 Changing Your Practice.

The purpose of this phase is to translate your new knowledge into individual and
collaborative plans and actions for curricular and instructional change. Activities might
include action research, peer-coaching, support groups, and curriculum development.
 Gaining and Sharing Expertise.

The purpose of this phase is to continue to refine your instructional practice, learning with
and from colleagues while also sharing your practical wisdom with your peers. Activities in
this phase might include team planning, mentoring or partnering with a colleague, and
participating in a network.
7 reasons why you should consider professional development
Here are some reasons why professional development will help you grow.
1. You'll learn something new.
Taking a relevant course or workshop can inspire you to try things you haven’t
tried before. For instance, Universal Design for Learning could aid in reaching all
students in a changing student population. Project-based learning can benefit
English language learners, where collaboration with other students can lead to
language acquisition in informal learning settings. A course in dyslexia could help
you help students with this common learning disability.
2. You can exchange ideas, stories, and experiences.
Hearing from other educators can be invigorating and affirming. Too often,
teachers hear “what” and “how” to teach, rather than being asked about challenges
and what they need to be more effective. Group work with your colleagues
connects new knowledge with the practical realities of the classroom.
3. You'll get deep learning experiences.
Taking a course, for instance, can help you integrate theory and practice to develop
skills in areas important to your teaching. Exploring new curriculum content or
pedagogy allows you to use cutting edge theory and practice in your classroom.
Personalizing the professional development to your teaching makes it more
effective.
4. You'll explore topics through short-term sessions.
Workshops provide exploration of current topics in subject areas or classroom

practices. Since standards are always changing, you can practice new teaching
methods with peers before using them in your classroom. Workshops can also
include hands-on, experiential learning.
5. You can take time for self-reflection.
The rigors of the classroom may not leave much time to reflect on your practice.
Professional development offerings often will ask you to think and write about
your current practice and what you’d like to improve. The benefits of becoming a
reflective practitioner can be lasting.
6. You'll develop skills for integrating a creative process in your classroom.
Just as the artist approaches a blank canvas with ideas that develop over time, you
can approach teaching as a process of allowing students to take ownership of their
own learning. Learn to integrate the arts into the school day, using a creative
process that includes imagination, design, innovation, and originality. Discover
new ways to bring the arts into your classroom.
7. You'll receive points or credits toward license renewal or an advanced degree.
Professional development helps you keep your license up to date or gain credits
toward your next degree. So while you're gaining new skills and learning from your
peers, you'll also be keeping up with your professional obligations.
Professional development allows you to reimagine teaching and learning. Through

the collaboration of teachers with knowledge of student needs and faculty with
knowledge and experience in areas of critical need—combined with your passion
and purposefulness—you'll continue to grow as a great educator.

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Five Phases of Professional Development

 Building a Knowledge Base.

 Observing Models and Examples.

 Reflecting on Your Practice.

 Changing Your Practice.

 Gaining and Sharing Expertise.

7 reasons why you should consider professional development

1. You'll learn something new.

3. You'll get deep learning experiences.

4. You'll explore topics through short-term sessions.

Workshops provide exploration of current topics in subject areas or classroom

5. You can take time for self-reflection.

6. You'll develop skills for integrating a creative process in your classroom.

7. You'll receive points or credits toward license renewal or an advanced degree.

Professional development allows you to reimagine teaching and learning. Through

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