ONLINE ASSIGNMENT ON THE WAYS TO IMPROVE

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Submitted to

Submitted by

Smt.Daphin Rose

Mashook Sha S.

Social Science Department

Social Science option

Reg no: 16914392008

INTRODUCTION
The quality of people in a society and their level of thinking
largely depends on the contribution made by a teacher .This view is
also supported by the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi. He says I
have always felt that the true text book for the pupil is his teacher
.Just as books have to be updated by new editions teachers have to
be updated by professional growth and development .Excellence is
the keyword to become successful in any profession.
Professional development is generally described as the
combined impact of both organizational and individual efforts that
help an individual grow and develop on the job. Those efforts initiated
by the Extension System are referred to as staff development.
Opportunities sponsored by other organizations in which participation
by Extension professionals is self-initiated are referred to as
professional improvement. Over the past few years, the relationships
between professional improvement and staff development have
become much stronger as the system focuses more on holistic
professional development.
It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be an effective
teacher. Like other careers, there are those who are more natural at it

than others. Even those with the most natural teaching ability must
put in the time necessary to cultivate their innate talent. Personal
growth and development is a critical component that all teachers must
embrace in order to maximize their potential. There are several
different ways that a teacher can enhance their personal growth and
development. Most teachers will use a combination of these methods
to solicit valuable feedback and information that will guide their
teaching career. Some teachers may prefer one method over another,
but each of the following has been proven to be valuable in their
overall development as a teacher.

Experience

Experience is perhaps the greatest teacher. No amount of

training can truly prepare you for the adversity that a teacher can face
in the real world. First often wonder what they have gotten
themselves into over the course of that first year. It can be frustrating
and disheartening, but it does become easier. A classroom is a
laboratory and teachers are chemists constantly tinkering,
experimenting, and mixing things up until they find the right
combination that works for them. Each day and year brings about
new challenges, but experience allows us to adapt quickly and make
changes ensuring that things continue to operate efficiently.

Journaling
Journaling can provide valuable learning opportunities through
self reflection. It allows you to capture moments in your teaching
career that may be beneficial to reference at other points along the

way. Journaling does not have to take a lot of your time. 10-15
minutes a day can provide you with a lot of valuable information.
Learning opportunities arise almost daily, and journaling allows you
to encapsulate these moments, reflect on them at a later time, and
make adjustments that can help you become a better teacher.
Literature

There is an over abundance of books and periodicals dedicated

to teachers. You can find a plethora of terrific books and periodicals to
help improve in any area you may struggle with as a teacher. You can
also find several books and periodicals that are inspirational and
motivational in nature. There are excellent content driven books and
periodicals that can challenge how you teach critical concepts. You
will probably not agree with every facet of every book or periodical,
but most offer sensational tidbits that we can apply to ourselves and to
our classrooms. Asking other teachers, talking to administrators, or
doing a quick online search can provide you with a good list of must
read literature.
Mentoring Program

Mentoring can be an invaluable tool for professional growth and

development. Every young teacher should be paired with a veteran
teacher. This relationship can prove to be beneficial for both teachers
so long as both sides keep an open mind. Young teachers can lean on
a veteran teachers experience and knowledge while veteran teachers
can gain a fresh perspective and insight into the newest educational
trends. A mentoring program provides teachers with a natural support
system where they are able to seek feedback and guidance, exchange
ideas, and vent at times.

Professional Development Workshops/Conferences

Professional development is a mandatory component of being a

teacher. Every state requires teachers to earn a certain number of
professional development hours each year. Great professional
development can be critical to the overall development of a teacher.
Teachers are presented with professional development opportunities
covering varying topics throughout the course of each year. Great
teachers recognize their weaknesses and attend professional
development workshops/conferences to improve these areas. Many
teachers commit a portion of their summer to attending professional
development workshops/conferences. Workshops/conferences also
provide teachers with invaluable networking opportunities that can
further enhance their overall growth and improvement.

Social Media

Technology is changing the face of education inside and outside

of the classroom. Never before have teachers been able to make the
global connections that they are able to make now. Social media such
a twitter, Face book, Google +, and Interest have created a global
exchange of ideas and best practices amongst teachers. Personal
Learning Networks (PLN) are providing teachers with a new avenue
for personal growth and development. These connections provide
teachers with a vast array of knowledge and information from other
professionals across the globe. Teachers struggling in a particular area
are able to ask their PLN for advice. They quickly receive responses
with valuable information they can use for improvement.

Teacher-Teacher Observations

Observations should be a two way street. Doing the observing

and being observed are equally valuable learning tools. Teachers
should be open to allowing other teachers in their classroom on a
regular basis. It is necessary to note that this will not work if either
teacher is egotistical or easily offended. Every teacher is different.
They all have their individual strengths and weaknesses. During
observations, the observing teacher is able to take notes detailing the
other teachers strength and weaknesses. Later they can sit down
together and discuss the observation. This provides a collaborative
opportunity for both teachers to grow and improve.
The Internet

The Internet provides unlimited resources to teachers with the

click of a mouse. There are millions of lesson plans, activities, and
information available online for teachers. Sometimes you have to
filter everything to find the highest quality content, but search long
enough and you will find what you are looking for. This instant access
to resources and content makes teachers better. With the Internet,
there is no excuse for failing to provide your students with the highest
quality lessons. If you need a supplemental activity for a particular
concept, you can find likely find it quickly. Sites like YouTube,
Teachers Pay Teachers, and Teaching Channel offer quality
educational content that can improve teachers and their classrooms.
CONCLUSION

Learning is modification of behaviour and it is unending process

.Living without learning is unimaginable. Learning and development
takes time and energy and it sometimes takes one out of their comfort
zone .If one want to keep the learning ha bit throughout their career
they are far more likely to extend their career longevity, mitigate any
risk and improve their employability.
REFERENCE
Martin, D. (1999). Professional Growth: A Personal Journey. Fort
Collins, CO: Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Service.
Professionals. Final Report of the 4-H Professional Research and
Knowledge Base Projects. Columbus, OH: The Ohio State University,
24-54.
Simonsen, P. (1998). Concepts of Career Development. Training and
Development Journal, November, 70-74.
www.wikipedia.org