I’ve been thinking about Professional Development lately, specifically, PD in the use of technology. Perhaps it’s the buzz around EduCon, ICE, and WEMTA. Perhaps it’s because I spent last weekend working with other Discovery Educators on Leadership Councils from a few states planning out some events for 2010. Regardless, these thoughts have brought me back to my district, where technology related PD isn’t a priority. For my District, the priorities are on reading and math. It’s easy to understand. ESEA/NCLB.
I realize the pressure that is on to make AYP, to meet the demands of Federal and State requirements, but at the same time, there needs to be a balance . Our District has spent a lot of money on hardware and software, as have many other schools, but there has clearly been inadequate training. We do not have an Instructional Technology Department. We do not have anyone to provide initial or ongoing training related to technology purchases that have already been made. Sure, initial, one time training took place when new software purchases were made, but if people were hired after that training (which took place many years ago), they weren’t trained. We have been adding Mimio IWB’s to our schools. The PD that’s being offered is a class that interested teachers have to pay for and attend outside of the work day. This isn’t right.
I hope something changes. We can’t continue this trend of not preparing our teachers, which undoubtedly will impact our students.
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My name is Chad Lehman. I'm currently an Elementary Library Media Specialist. I spent eight years teaching third grade prior to moving to the school library. When I'm not at school, I'm probably online, playing or watching sports, or driving my two kids to one of their activities.
Chad, that’s a tough situation and one that is all too common. I left a district due to a similar “lack of commitment to tech PD”. I realize not everyone can do that, but is there some creative way to get some PD in? Create some screencasts for staff and email them out? Provide a wiki with useful links, and ways to extend learning? Hold “Lunch and Learn” sessions? My staff LOVE summer sessions. A tech newsletter? 5 mins at a staff meeting. Links to free webinars? Hold some webinars? While these may not be the most effective PD sessions ever, it keeps tech in the forefront and maybe, just maybe, it will give administrators the idea that more is needed.
I’m sure many of these ideas you have tried or thought of. It’s very frustrating, but hang in there. We’re all struggling in some way to make PD more meaningful or even to just get it out there! They hired you for a reason and it wasn’t to raise test scores or maintain AYP.