Week 2A: NWP: Professional Development

When reading and reflecting on chapter 5 of NWP I quickly thought back to the very first grad class I took and UMW.  This course required a similar assignment regarding a writer's notebook connected to course readings and one prompt in particular asked students to reflect on professional development for educators.  Though this was not specific to technology or digital writing at the time I was very focused on this topic and therefore the bulk of my response centered around using both using tech to acquire PD as well as specifically receiving PD in instructional technology including digital writing.  Here is a link to that post back in 2011.  

Going back and rereading this post and considering NWP I still agree with much of my thinking from three years ago.  Since then I have reentered the profession, finished all but this course for my masters, led professional development specifically involving instructional technology and digital writing for my school, and will now have four children......needless to say much has changed and my life has only gotten busier making it harder to seek out PD on my own, something I commented on in 2011.  Making what NWP suggests "long sustaining" PLC's and networks so important.  I am blessed to work with so many talented teachers within my school that value PD and have helped instill a culture at the school that PD is expected however, the form and method are fluid and flexible even to go so far as differentiated depending on where you are as a professional (and in your life ie new mom).  NWP correctly recognizes that successful and meaningful PD is not a one day conference but forming relationships and networks that encourage lifelong learning and mastering of the craft of teaching.

In addition I was interested to read in NWP about the suggestion regarding involving students in the PD process for their community.  I have students assist their classmates, myself all the time in technology matters but I had never considered or heard of involving them on a more formal basis.  Very cool idea.

Also I want to recognize what NWP says regarding instructional technologists.  Wow those people can be great for PD.......the problem is WHO HAS THEM? Many schools can not afford this position and if they can the instructional technologist is often pulled away doing tech support or network support for teachers rather than conferencing with how to incorporate technology effectively into the classroom.  From what I have seen the instructional technologist is also tasked with serving several schools at once making it difficult for them to actually be available for teachers on a more regular basis.  Finally, I have seen instructional technologist that overtime begin to fall out of touch with reality.  What I mean by this is they forget just how much time and effort go into teaching making suggestions and goals can make a teacher feel overwhelmed, consumed, and ineffective.  This is why it is so important for experienced teachers to (when they can) take up the position of mentoring, coaching, or even just sharing their knowledge with colleagues.....leading others along the path of continued education.