“The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.” This is a well-known quote, but it perfectly describes a teacher’s job. For a student to be able to grasp and learn new skills, it is all the more important for a teacher to be more precise about their concepts and skills. Technology is also a job description that allows teachers to stay abreast of the curriculum and the latest trends. As a result, schools must introduce their staff members to different continuous professional development (CPD) methods.
To understand why CPD is India’s best Teacher Training Program, we must look at COVID as an example. On one hand, students had to adjust to a life of online classes and Zoom fatigue. On the other hand, teachers had to make students understand concepts virtually, take tests, handle technology, and so much more. And that’s where a program like CPD plays an important role.
As you can see in the picture below, during the first three months of Covid, a lot of CPD programmes were held through webinars, conferences and workshops. The teachers, who were prepared because of these very specific CPD frameworks like e-learning classes or online training classes, were able to make an easier transition, which in turn made it easier for the students, too.
This was an example of Technology Integration in CPD, but there are many ways in which CPD can help teachers in their professional growth and skill development. There are many more such strategies that come under this Mentorship Program. So, let’s detail them one by one.
Learning New Skills
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) encourages teachers to keep advancing their pool of knowledge. From creating lesson plans to bettering their teaching methods, there is a long list of things a teacher can learn more about. This step empowers teachers and makes it easier for them to understand their students.
Peer Learning Communities
In this practice, teachers come together as a group regularly to discuss what can be done better. It is a collaborative effort where problems are solved, meetings are held, and teaching practices are discussed. It encourages reflective practice, where teachers come together to reflect on their practices and try to refine them as much as possible. In a place where different minds come together, discussions on newer methods and technologies are bound to happen, so it’s also considered a good practice to stay up-to-date. It builds solid professional networks and enhances teachers’ problem-solving skills, ultimately contributing to their professional growth and the overall improvement of their educational institutions.
Mentorship Programs
The relationship between a mentor and mentee can prove beneficial to both parties, especially when it comes to teaching. The Mentorship Program focuses on bringing more experienced educators together with less experienced ones. Together, they work on developing better skills, dealing with challenges, and different teaching methods for students. This collaborative learning of coaching and mentoring directly leads to a motivated teacher and, as a result, a more balanced environment for the students.
Self-directed Professional Growth
Every teacher should learn to take ownership of their professional development. Hence, there are many ways to pursue this path. Many schools provide online courses and webinars so that teachers can learn at their own pace. Workshops and seminars are organized, so teachers know the latest trends and teaching methods. Educational research is another way for teachers to broaden their horizons and better understand the academic community they are a part of.
Training under British Curriculum Schools
As a part of the British Curriculum, some schools also provide the Center for Cambridge Professional Development Programme to educators. More focus is placed on professional development, lifelong learning, and educational leadership. Teachers can stay ahead of educational methodologies and trends through courses like the Cambridge International Diploma in Teaching and Learning (CIDTL) and the Cambridge International Certificate in Educational Leadership (CICEL). The program is designed to ensure that they can continue to make a difference in the lives of their students.
A teacher’s job is never easy, but it can be fun not just for the students at the receiving end but also for the teachers who are lifelong learners. By prioritizing professional development for teachers, India can build a future-ready education system capable of meeting the evolving needs of its learners and society. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is not just a practice. Still, it has the power to be a catalyst that can transform the way we approach education as teachers and school leaders.
