PD Magazine 356 OECS PD Magazine NEW (2) | Page 11

PD Benefits The world continues to experience changes that demand a focus on teaching critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. We as educators will not give up on our promise to teach the next generation and to prepare them for the world of tomorrow. We are, therefore, constantly looking for new ways to improve our skills through professional development. That’s interesting, but as teachers from the Caribbean who are presently involved in PD daily at your schools, what are some of the benefits? Team Work Confidence Relationships Creativity Collaboration Knowledge Job Satisfaction Innovative PD gives ongoing support to teachers. PD allows time for teachers to learn and practice and to share ideas. PD gives students the best opportunity to learn. PD helps to develop a better qualified work team, with enhanced skills that benefit everyone involved. PD provides the avenues for teachers to develop the competencies that will help them become peak performers. PD fosters collaboration among teachers and creates opportunities for teachers. PD allows teachers’ strengths to be shared, as our focus shifts from teaching to learning. PD re-energizes and sparks creativity and improves efficiency. PD heightens awareness: continuous learning can prove valuable at any stage in your career. 6 Many federal education grant programs provide professional development funding. See for example: http://www.oas.org/en/scholarships/professionaldev.asp