Stories by Sherry Posnick-Goodwin
Photos by Scott Buschman
 |
| Fourth-grader Idania Rojas works on a problem at Corsini Elementary in Desert Hot Springs. |
Alvin Toffler, author of the book Future Shock, wrote: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
In these technologically accelerated times, professional development is more important today than ever before. Teachers are being asked to master new skills and responsibilities as both individuals and as collaborators. They are often expected to teach children whose first language is something other than English and whose culture is unfamiliar.
It isn’t easy. It takes extra time, in a tightly packed schedule that barely allows breathing room. It takes greater discipline, effort and hard work. And often it requires a fair amount of soul-searching, so that teachers have time to reflect upon what they teach, how they teach and why they teach.
At times it means examining “unconscious” biases and consciously changing them for the better. It means interpreting data and offering appropriate interventions to struggling students.
School reform and standards-based instruction have raised expectations for students, yet teachers are also being asked to assume new roles and styles of teaching to ensure that all students succeed.
The following stories look at how professional development is enriching the professional lives of some CTA members who are setting a brave example for their students and their communities, redefining what it means to be a life-long learner. The stories also highlight some of the trends — both good and bad — on the professional development front and some innovative techniques that educators are using to keep up with the ever-changing face of education.
