Maple Ridge Teachers’ Association Self-Directed Professional Development
Maple Ridge Teachers’ Association
Self-Directed Professional Development
What is it?• Teachers choosing and planning their own Pro-D
• An endeavour derived from teachers’ own interests and needs
• Individual or Group
• Collegial and collaborative
• Ongoing approach rather than a series of disconnected activities.
Why?
• Builds teacher autonomy by creating positive pro-d options
• Allows teachers to choose their own focus
• Professional literature shows self-directed Pro-D is more meaningful
Why?
What does it look like?Examples include but are not limited to:
• Theme-based activities (student behaviour, assessment and evaluation, etc.)
• Subject-based or grade-grouping collaborations
• Teaching approaches (team teaching, case studies, etc.)
• Book study clubs and inquiry groups
• Informal peer observations
• Professional conversations
• Attending workshops or conferences of interest
ProcessEncourage staff discussion to find common interests
• Stress low-key informal approach–Pro-D doesn’t have to be fancy
• Choose your topic, find your group, decide on a group organizer if needed
• Find and book a space
• Consider any materials, resources and equipment you might need
• Bring food!
Give an account• Share with other teachers, your local union, the
district, and greater community
• If we give an account, we are accountable
• Be positive and celebrate
/em l eu42-usw-2009 March 12, 2013 Pro-D/HD