Professional development is a necessary part of the career path for many educators. It helps them stay up-to-date on new developments in their field and provides opportunities to hone their skills.
Universities must continue offering faculty professional development even when budgets are tight. Cutting these opportunities sends a message that the institution needs to be invested in its staff’s success.
You’ll learn something new
You can pick up new skills that you may use at work thanks to universities like GCU unified approach to professional development. Knowledge about the latest goods in your industry will boost your confidence and give you a sense of achievement, making you feel more driven at work.
Some are specific to teaching, while others focus on personal development or leadership skills.
This unique practice may seem less practical for smaller universities with fewer academic departments. However, it is still possible to provide various outreach programs, as demonstrated by the example of LSE. It is especially the case if the PD programs are tailored, one-to-one, and specific to a purpose, as was emphasized by the CHELT Director.
You’ll improve your teaching abilities
Research suggests that professors want to improve their teaching abilities for various reasons. For instance, they may want to increase their job satisfaction and be more knowledgeable about education. Faculty members can learn new ways to improve their classroom techniques by participating in professional development activities. They can also learn how to better interact with students and create a more engaging learning environment.
Many universities and professionals like GCU professional are beginning to realize the importance of dedicating time and resources to professional development for their faculty. This type of initiative can help them achieve their goals for student success while improving the quality of education offered by their University. Furthermore, it has the potential to enhance the institution’s overall reputation. A higher ranking means that more students will choose to attend the school.
You’ll get a fresh perspective
As a University, they are dedicated to ensuring their staff get the best out of their teaching and professional practice. It means they have a centralized structure that supports and encourages all their faculty members to participate in professional development activities.
One important thing to remember when considering your University’s approach to professional development is that the range and depth of these programs will vary depending on your institution’s strategic focus and institutional characteristics. As the LSE case study demonstrates, that is especially true of specialized Universities with a homogeneous faculty body.
