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