PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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GREAT LEADERS DON’T MANAGE, THEY INSPIRE

By: Tawan Perry

Taking on a leadership role in any setting can be tough. Despite all the benefits of being in charge, not everyone is born a natural leader. Luckily, there are some things that even the least likely leader can do to hone management abilities and become an effective leader of an organization. So what does it take to be an effective leader? Besides talent, it takes effort, well developed time management skills, the ability to communicate effectively and a desire to lead. Even if leadership doesn’t come naturally to you, a good dose of effort will make up for it. Approaching a position with hard work and dedication will make almost anyone into an effective leader. More often than not, effort implies sacrifice and discomfort, which is just what you’ll have to deal with as a leader. You’ll have to be willing to give up some of your free time to do a good job in order to gain respect from your colleagues. Read more.

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THE 7 HABITS OF SUCCESSFUL TEACHERS

By Dr. Stephen Jones

Being on the right pathway to an effective teaching career requires a personal commitment to mastering excellent teaching habits.  Effective teachers practice seven habits to connect with students and to help them  thrive.  These habits, like committing to knowing every student’s learning style, can demonstrate that  teachers value students’ participation in class.  Motivating students requires ongoing change on the part of  teachers , because teachers are the people who push the limits of students’ learning capabilities.

Classrooms should be places of innovation, where students can thrive by challenging themselves to learn in new ways.   Successful teachers understand the value of providing students with  environments conducive to  learning. Read more.

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PEDAGOGICAL INSIGHTS: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAS SHOWN TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANCE INFLUENCE ON STUDENT LEARNING  

By Ellen Darensburg

What is Professional Development (PD)? PD refers to ongoing learning opportunities that increase the effectiveness of professional staff and develop and/or increase knowledge and skills, thereby improving student learning environments resulting in advanced student development, growth, and academic success.

PD Models vary in method and delivery. PD is the support you receive in your building from administrators and colleagues. PD covers continuing education classes you may take- either through your union, a local university, or through your school system. PD comes in many different shapes and sizes, in every form imaginable. PD, when done right, meets you where you are and takes you where you need to go. Read more.

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THE ART OF THE VIDEO RESUME

By Dr. Sherri Madia

The job market continues to be marked by high competition and fewer jobs, but the timing for a video resume couldn’t be better, as this specialized communication enables job seekers to create a unique point of distinction.  Read more. ._______________________________________________________________________________________

HOW TO CREATE A WINNING RESUME

By Dr. Stephen Jones

Most students think writing a good resume begins with a list of their skills and experiences. I recommend that you start by conducting research on the companies that attract your interest. You should research the corporate climate and the type of people they are hiring. Obtaining this information will help you to shape the type of resume you will write. Read more.

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LEADERSHIP – A KEY TO TEACHER SUCCESS

By Dr. Stephen Jones

Teachers have a tremendous responsibility to both instruct and serve as  leaders at school and in their community.  Both are intertwined because the teacher who leads must be connected with parents in order to be successful.  The foundation for leadership occurs as the teacher  pursues ways to make each class an engaging and fruitful learning environment.  Read more

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APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL OR A FELLOWSHIP

By Dr. Dereck J. Rovaris, Sr.

Perhaps you have made the arduous decision to attend graduate school. Or maybe you are trying to gain some understanding of what it might entail. Choosing to pursue graduate study is a major decision. Therefore, the more information you can gather about the process, the more likely you are to make wise choices and realize success. Read more. ______________________________________________________________________________________