Professional Development For Teachers: Reading Research-Aligned Options

Professional development for teachers is a critical aspect of being an educator. Teachers have the responsibility to guide and shape the future of our next generation and it is essential for them to continue learning and growing in their field. 

PD not only helps teachers improve their skills, but it also helps them stay up to date with the latest teaching methods and research. In this post, we will delve into the reasons why teacher training is important, how to choose the right professional development for teachers, and what Phonics in Motion has to offer in terms of professional development training.

Professional Development For Teachers: Why You Need It

There are many reasons why professional development for teachers is important. In order to be an effective teacher, it’s important to keep up with the latest teaching methods and best practices, and teacher professional development offers the perfect opportunity to do so. In this section, we’ll look at three of the most significant reasons for teacher professional development.

Reason 1. Renewing Teacher Certification

One of the main reasons for professional development for teachers is to renew their certification. Most states require teachers to earn a certain number of credit hours each year in order to maintain their teaching certification. These credit hours can be earned through a variety of programs, workshops, and conferences. By participating in professional development for teachers, educators can not only renew their certification but also stay current in their field and improve their skills.

Reason 2. External vs Internal Motivation

Another reason for teacher professional development is to address the needs in the classroom. As the educational landscape changes, it is important for teachers to stay up to date with the latest teaching methods, educational technology, and best practices. 

Professional development for teachers helps educators meet the needs of their students and provide them with the best possible education. However, it’s also important to note that teacher PD can also be motivated by personal interests. Many teachers enjoy learning about new teaching methods and techniques, and PD provides them with an opportunity to do so.

Reason 3. A Shared Knowledge Approach

Finally, professional development for teachers can promote a shared knowledge approach. When teachers participate in PD, they bring new ideas and approaches back to the school and share their experiences with their colleagues. This helps create a diverse and rich learning environment in which each teacher is trained in different areas. By sharing their knowledge, teachers can collaborate and improve the overall quality of education in the school.

How To Choose Professional Development For Teachers 

With so many options for professional development for teachers, it can be overwhelming to choose the right course. In this section, we’ll look at four important factors to consider when choosing a PD course.

Step 1. Figure Out Your Personal Interests As A Teacher

As a teacher, it’s important to continuously grow and develop in your profession. The first step in choosing the right course is to identify your personal interests as a teacher. What do you enjoy about teaching? What do you feel like you excel at? What areas would you like to improve in or explore further? By taking the time to reflect on these questions, you can better understand your interests and what type of PD course would align with your goals and interests as a teacher.

For example, if you enjoy teaching English as a second language, you may be interested in a course that focuses on teaching English to non-native speakers. On the other hand, if you’d like to improve your ability to use technology in the classroom, consider a training on using technology in education. By identifying your personal interests, you can find a  course that you are likely to be passionate about, which can help you get the most out of the training.

Step 2. Analyze Your Current Skillset Gap

In addition to identifying your personal interests, it’s also important to analyze your current skillset gap. This involves taking a close look at what areas you need to improve in and what new skills you would like to learn. This information can help you find professional development for teachers that specifically addresses your needs and helps you grow as an educator..

For example, if you feel like you could benefit from more training in classroom management, you might consider training that covers effective strategies for managing student behavior. On the other hand, if you’re interested in learning more about a new teaching method or curriculum, you might choose a conference that provides in-depth training on that subject.

Step 3. Choose Training At Your Level

It’s also important to choose an option that is at the right level for you. For example, a new teacher may need a different level of training than an experienced teacher. Consider your current experience, skills, and knowledge when choosing to make sure it is appropriate for your needs.

Take into account the content and format of the course, as well as the expected outcomes. Will you be able to apply what you learn in the course to your everyday teaching practice? Will the course challenge you enough to help you grow as a teacher? Consider these questions when choosing training that is at the right level for you.

Step 4. Consider The Cost And Availability

Finally, when choosing a training, it’s important to consider both the cost and the availability. Professional development for teachers can be expensive, so it’s important to make sure you can afford the course you choose.

Some schools and districts may offer financial support for PD, so be sure to check if that’s an option for you. Additionally, you can look for trainings that offer scholarships, grants, or other forms of financial assistance to help make the training more accessible and affordable. It’s important to budget for training and make sure it fits within your overall financial goals as a teacher.

In terms of availability, consider the timing and location of the training. Can you attend during work hours or do you need to attend after work or on the weekends? Is the location of the course convenient for you to attend? These factors can play a role in whether or not you can participate in the PD course, so be sure to take them into consideration when choosing a course.

Phonics in Motion’s Professional Development For Teachers

Phonics in Motion offers Science of Reading-aligned professional development for teachers. Phonics in Motion is an integrated, multisensory reading and writing program that weaves together phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.

Children learn crucial phonemic awareness skills through Kinesthetic Motions for the Phonemes (KMPs) which are a 1:1 match for the articulation of a sound. Instead of clapping or tapping, Phonics in Motion students use the KMPs as an anchor or 

Option 1. On-Demand Virtual Training 

Our on-demand, virtual professional development for teachers gives you an in-depth look at the four literacy routines: Kinesthetic Motions for the Phonemes (KMPs), Reading & Writing Monster, Handwriting Stories, and the Language Calendar.

This teacher professional development training is worth 15 credit hours and you will receive a certificate of completion to fulfill the required training hours. 

 

Option 2. Custom Training For Schools 

If your school is already using another reading & writing program but you are interested in Phonics in Motion, you can book a custom consultation. We work with your teachers to integrate Phonics in Motion with the current scope and sequence.