Each day that I step into my office I learning something new. In my position of Information Specialist, I live in an ever changing world. I must keep up with current software, data, security, and educational research.   The field of education is not one of those jobs where you go to work, complete the items on the check off a list, and then proceed to clock-out at a prescribed time. I have and more than a job, it becomes a way of life.  My mother and grandmother were teachers, and individuals that were continually seeking out advice from colleges, attending workshops, trying new techniques, and learning.  To me these women were professionals. They found responsibility, challenge, and joy in their profession, as do I. They were presentations individuals who continually took on the challenge to improve themselves and their profession. I have found that when educators are truly acting as professionals, they are striving for education at its best. They are not just preoccupied with simply getting through the day. I aspire to be one of these teachers, as my mentors are.   

As we increase the standards of what expect of students, the teachers will also have to rise to this mirrored challenge. Corcoran (1995) commented, “In virtually every state in the country, reform efforts are dramatically raising expectations for students, and consequently, for teachers” (p.1).  To meet the demand teachers must expand their content knowledge, and develop efficient, effective ways of teaching.  To reach this goal it would seem prudent that teachers become team members, master content, develop a positive outlook, and adopt high standards. In Guskey’s (2003) article where he explored the effectiveness of professional development, he states, “Helping teachers to understand more deeply the content they teach and the ways students learn that content appears to be a vital dimension of effective professional development” (p.748). Teachers cannot become stagnant, especially with the rapid advancement of technology.  To be successful educators, we must be insatiable learners.

To develop and stay knowledgeable in the teaching profession there are many professional organizations that support education.  By joining these associations, and following current online blogs teachers support the education, research, and professional development of this profession. I personally belong to iNACOL, an organization dedicated to the movement of personalizing learning for students.  I am also an active member of our Alaska PowerSchool User Group (AK PSUG) a state user-group developed to help those throughout the state streamline student information.  I enjoy participating every year in Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE) is a professional organization whose mission is to promote access to technology, connectivity to information resources, and technology integration for all Alaskan learners. I have had the opportunity to present and enjoy many presentation at this annual state conference.  On this social networking site I am friends with:

• Free Technology for teachers – Richard Byron the host of this blog shares regular tips and trick on free technology that teachers can use in the classroom.
• Educatorstechnology.com – Is a website dedicated to sharing educational tools on the web and mobile apps.  This is a great resource for finding Google tips or apps to use in the classroom.
• MacBreak Weekly – On the TWIT podcast network there is a show dedicated weekly to Macintosh news.  I am a devoted follower of Apple and rarely miss a week to find out what is happening in the world of apps, iPads, and iMacs. While this show is not dedicated to education the current new of technology is relevant to devices and possibilities in the world of education.

While FaceBook is not the first thing that comes to mind when I think of professional development, I have found that much that I would have never have thought about comes across on my Face Book screen. With thousands of educators contributing to these pages the relevant resources that are available are astounding.  Being a professional is about connecting with other professionals and technology has taken this to a whole new level.  A professional teacher must not only find ways to deepen content knowledge and innovative ways of teaching, but must reflect on these strategies.  

If education is to be taken seriously by our parents, communities and the nation then teachers must be a workforce of professionals. All reform efforts to improve education, take the dedication of professional teachers. IRA President Lesley Morrow (2009) wrote, “Children’s chances of learning are significantly increased with excellent teachers” (p.6).  These excellent teachers are those who continue to participate inside and outside the classroom to improve themselves.  Teachers are critical to education reform and must be involved in quality professional development, reflection, collaborations, and leadership opportunities (Goodnough, 2005, p. 88).  I have had many wonderful teachers to be my mentors as I have progressed through this journey of becoming an educator.  I am currently enjoying furthering my education at Concordia University seeking a MED in Curriculum and Instruction: Education Technology Leadership. It is my goal to gain the knowledge and expertise to help keep current and relevant in an ever changing world. While I am no longer in the classroom I find incredible joy in being able to assist teachers with technology, stream line process, and manage data creating efficient workflows that maximize efficienty. 

 

References

Ashbrook, P.. (2010). Searching for professional development. Science and Children, 47(9), 44-46.

Corcoran, Thomas (1995). Helping teachers teach well: transforming professional development. Consortium for Policy Research in Education. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/pubs .

Karen Goodnough (2005). Fostering teacher learning through collaborative inquiry. The Clearing House, 79(2), 88-92.

Lesley Mandel Morrow (2003, August). Make professional development a priority. Reading Today, 21(1), 6

Thomas R. Guskey (2003). What makes professional development effective? Phi Delta Kappan, 84(10), 748-750.