Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/roadblocks-to-high-quality-professional-development-and-how-to-overcome-them/5025170/
Melinda, the director of the Explorations Early Learning Center, pokes her head into the pre-K room during one of her morning walk-throughs. The classroom is abuzz and feels like it could turn chaotic at any minute. Melinda is reminded of last week’s staff meeting, where Jada had verbally expressed some frustration and lack of understanding about implementing changes to last year’s curriculum. The new materials were designed to increase the quality of the language and literacy environment, but they clearly demand more skill from the educators at the center. Melinda led one training, and some of the teachers, including Jada, went to a training on read-alouds. But Melinda was aware that she needed to find time for a second professional learning opportunity.
As Melinda looks around, she considers Jada’s circumstances; she has a group that feels especially “young,” with several children exhibiting consistently challenging behaviors. Additionally, as she is only in her second year of teaching, she is still learning about effective management strategies, as well as developing a basic understanding of child development. As Melinda catches Jada’s eye and smiles, Jada ekes out a smile and says, “Good morning!” just as children tumble out of their coats, leaving them ...