Teachers as Lifelong Learners
If you ask any educator, what made you want to become a teacher? Without fail, they will name either a teacher or time in their educational life as a child that influenced them so much that they knew they wanted to teach as a career. Learning and teaching have become an integral part of who they are, and teachers are always researching the best ways to engage their students as time, technology, and resources change.
Develop a Growth Mindset
Most successful people have a growth mindset as opposed to a fixed mindset. Teachers undoubtedly have a growth mindset. They are constantly trying to improve and develop their abilities in teaching and connecting with their students. A growth mindset for teachers allows them to not become upset and frustrated when a challenge seems too great to overcome.
A growth mindset embraces these challenges and explores new ways to find success.
Teachers who are lifelong learners deflect criticism and learn from it. They appreciate other teachers giving ideas on how to incorporate new strategies into their classrooms. Educators with a growth mindset always look for opportunities to grow and advance as a teacher.
Engage in Active Learning Strategies
Teachers and all professionals can still engage in active learning strategies. These do not end when you stop being a student. As a lifelong learner, teachers can engage in small group discussions with fellow teachers or administrators. General education teachers can meet with special education teachers or specialists within their buildings. Many schools now have content specialists who can look at their students holistically and suggest various activities that may help all learners.
Reflection is another effective learning strategies that teachers can use. Whether a teacher reflects on what worked and did not work in a lesson or they think about what was presented at a workshop. Thinking back on what you may have learned or what questions you still have can deepen your understanding of what was presented that day.
Asking for feedback from colleagues or supervisors are more methods to continue learning. Although some may fear asking feedback, they should not. The more we learn from each other, the better for everyone. If the fear of asking for feedback is too overwhelming, then opt for self-assessments. Self-assessments are also a great tool to reflect on your teaching and lesson planning.
Stay Up with Current Trends and Developments
There are trustworthy educators and professional associations that post excellent resources and articles for free. These are quick and easy outlets to stay up-to-date on current trends and developments in your area. Teachers can take it one step further and become members of professional associations related to their subject area. By being an active member, you will receive newsletters and opportunities to participate in various workshops and seminars.
Although teachers do not often have free time, hundreds of journals present the most current research that educators could benefit from reading. Within teacher’s department meetings, one teacher a month can be encouraged to bring the findings from an article they read and share it with the group. Small actions like this can open the doors to the newest findings in the educational world.
Professional developments and workshops are happening almost every day in person and virtual settings. School districts can compile lists by topic area to share with their teachers who might be interested in attending. Schools should also dedicate funds and time for educators to attend these so that they can bring information back to the entire faculty. Being a lifelong learner does take time, so districts need to carve out the time for teachers to participate in activities like these.
Continue Your Education
Teachers always say they learn something new daily, which is not a lie. Students, parents, administrators, and other teachers may mention something that a teacher never heard of or thought about. To keep learning new ideas, educators can choose to go back to school themselves. There are variety of educational advanced degrees or certifications that may pique the interest of educators.
Advanced degrees can be a master’s in special education, curriculum or technology, etc. A teacher may choose to continue even further to pursue a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. Even if an educator is not interested in entering a full program, many certifications can be added onto their teaching license. They may be passionate about reading or working with English learners. They may want to become specialized in working with autistic students.
Regardless of the path a teacher chooses, they will always be learning something new. Having a growth mindset pushes one toward lifelong learning. Instead of being complacent with the status quo, many teachers seek out learning opportunities and never stop.
Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.
