An effective professional development programme in a school should be in a position to move ideas from knowledge to action. If carried out in the proper way, it leads to school improvement and that helps in achieving the main objective of the learning institution. It is very important for teachers to learn from the duties that they undertake in the school community. Teachers should be given the chance to share their experiences with one another in study groups and other group settings (Zepeda, 2008). Teacher’s evaluation is very important because it shows whether progress is being made or not. If there is no progress, then the necessary measures are taken to ensure that the best service is delivered to the recipients. In the company of others, they will be in a better position to reflect on what they have learnt out of what they have done. All this will enable teachers and principals to be equipped with strategies to improve teaching and leadership in the given school. This will work to the overall benefit of the learners as they will receive the best kind of services from their instructors (Zepeda, 2008).
The principal is the major driving force behind the performance of the teachers he or she leads. It is the principle’s role to assist the teachers to find their learning voices (Zepeda, 2008). This is very important because it is the ability of the teachers that determines how students perform. In order to form the best professional development goals various forms of data should be used. The principle should collect, analyze and interpret student work samples, results of different kinds of tests and gather information from administrators and coaches who have observed the teachers teach (Zepeda, 2008). He or she should also follow up and ensure that all what students learn in class is also done practically. Practical lessons assist the students in capturing the concept being passed across. Observers should pay keen interest to note whether the teacher teaches them from what they known to what they do not known and report to the principle. Students will best understand a concept if it is taught from what they already know.
Motivation of employees is one sure way of increasing their productivity. To ensure that the teachers deliver the best to the students, their general well being should be taken care of (Zepeda, 2008). To start with, the principal should see to it that the employer gives them the best pay package. This should come with allowances and benefits in addition to job security. Little pay will make them unsettled as they will be looking for greener pastures. They can not also work well knowing that they can loose their job any time. They should also be given some time off to relax and this should be during the school holidays. Some principals make holiday tuition mandatory without caring that the teachers need some time to refresh. There should also be opportunities for job promotions which should come with a better pay. The principal must create a working environment that is conducive by first creating good interpersonal relationship within the staff (Zepeda, 2008). He or she should also work towards encouraging them to learn from what they teach and share their experiences with one another.
Reference
Zepeda, S. J. (2008). Professional development: What works. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education.