Supporting Student Development by Supporting Teacher Development
As the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps through the country, teacher are bracing themselves for more uncertainty as flexible learning modalities are being considered once again. Despite the fact that most schools remote learning programs are now well oiled machines, many are tired of using it (they know that students on the whole are falling behind due to prolonged exposure and isolation to distance learning…) While distance learning, both synchronous and asynchronous, may provide a bridge solution, the longer the bridge is in place for main stream students, the poorer the long-term outcomes seem to get.
While we may not have many options available due to present circumstances, districts can support the children in their educational system best by supporting their teachers. There is a clear and direct correlation between improved student outcomes and well supported, technology literate educators. Locally we have seen that districts that have supported teachers with not only better equipment, but top notch professional development solutions as well, see the benefit.
In the end, well-designed and implemented PD should be considered an essential component of a comprehensive system of teaching and learning that supports students to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to thrive in the 21st century.
Well designed professional development, like the programs available from 360pd.com matter, because it helps teachers learn and refine the pedagogies required for effective classroom enablement. The more prepared we can make teachers corresponds directly to the increase in effectiveness, and decrease in stress related to the need to manage multiple learning modalities simultaneously.
According to an article published in Edutopia, written by Sarah Gonser, regarding the reduction of stress and decreasing burnout:
The schedule also builds PD into the workday, which ultimately improves our school’s instructional capacity, student learning, and culture and climate.
Regardless of the present circumstances, prioritizing teacher time will go a long way towards these overall goals, and strengthen the bond between teacher and district.
The 360pd.com platform has a range of self-paced courses available including Google Beginner - Intermediate and Google Advanced, general EdTech topics, Promethean ActivPanel instructional, and much more. The courses are designed by teachers, for teachers, which means they are relatable, friendly and easy-to-integrated quickly.
If you would like to learn more, our Teacher Learning Consultant team would be happy to assist you.
