Why is it Important to Continue Your Education as an Educator?
Within the classroom, we encourage a growth mindset. We discuss the importance of taking on challenges, learning from them, and ultimately growing our skills and abilities from that experience. We want that for all of our students, and we need it for ourselves as professionals.
It makes little difference if you have been teaching for two years or 22 years, the world of education is ever-evolving. Community and workforce needs are constantly transforming. We need to ensure that, as educators, we understand how those changes impact our students and future graduates and have the capacity to address them. For many years, the focus of schools has primarily been on academics.
Today, we are increasing our dependence on technology and the need for social-emotional learning. These areas require a very different knowledge and skill set. As an administrator, I understand the importance of the decisions that I make for my staff as well as my students. When there are challenges, it is essential to have the right knowledge to solve them. The thirst for knowledge and, ultimately the desire to give my students the best learning opportunities and to promote their success is what has sent me in search of continuing education opportunities over and over again.
Ways to Continue Your Education
Graduate Programs
Colleges and universities are excellent options when considering a wide range of choices from single classes, additional certifications, master’s programs as well as doctoral programs. Such programs often bring together individuals from a wide variety of locations, backgrounds, and experiences. These courses allow you to dig deeper into a focus area of your choice and ultimately build upon your expertise and skills as an educator.
Gone are the days when you were required to drive to a campus and sit in a classroom to complete your coursework. While this traditional method is still available for those that prefer direct, face-to-face interaction, there are also online as well as hybrid options. Professors have the ability to meet with and teach classes that can be attended from the office, home, or even while on vacation.
In addition, there can be flexibility regarding how and when assignments are completed. Some programs set specific deadlines while others may be more lenient, and you are graded when you have time to complete the class. This allows you to complete your classes and program(s) at your own pace. With all of the educational designs, it is easy to find one that can meet any lifestyle.
Professional Development
Luckily, opportunities are abundant and come in a variety of formats. Professional development sessions and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are often offered within districts and local intermediate units. These options are often based on regional needs and provide opportunities to network with neighboring professionals.
State-wide and even international conferences are another great way to find professional development on any topic that you might find of interest. Simply choose your topic and begin a search for educational conferences. You are certain to find a multitude of options. Most of these sessions can provide a short, intense burst of professional development which can then quickly be used within your educational setting.
Additional Benefits of Continued Education for Teachers and Educators
Career Advancement That Makes a Difference
As educators, we are required to seek out professional development to fulfill the requirements of Act 45 or 48 in order to maintain our certifications. However, it goes beyond the obligation and creates opportunities when you take the time to grow yourself as a professional. When I first started teaching, I assumed that I would stay within a classroom setting. I loved where I taught, what I was teaching, and even more the students with whom I worked. Then, I realized that I wanted to give back to the educational system, so I began mentoring pre-teachers and student teachers.
Later, I found that I wanted to become more involved within my school community and help my fellow teachers, so I became a department chair. Eventually, I took the leap to administration because I felt, and still believe that this is where I can help grow students and even help positively impact the entire school community.
None of these opportunities would have been possible If I had not taken the chance and the time to truly develop my skill set. My additional certifications, as well as degrees, allowed me to build a resume that is full of experiences that I may not have had otherwise. In addition, many contracts have steps that reward educators for advanced degrees and post-baccalaureate credits. Simply put, opportunities increase when you take the time to grow yourself as a professional.
Why I Chose Point Park University to Continue My Education
In my particular situation, I initially needed to become more knowledgeable regarding curriculum development and implementation. Several programs and processes within my school were not producing the desired results. Before I could begin to tackle the problem, I needed to better educate myself.
Flexibility for Working Educators
After exploring a variety of options, I realized that Point Park University was the best fit for me. Many programs are available both in person and online. The flexibility offered by the online program meant that, despite deadlines, I could still balance my professional and student life. Many of my assignments were posted with at least a week to complete them. That meant I was able to be a student when it met my schedule.
Community
Point Park’s classes are also often set up as cohorts. That meant that I truly got to know and work with my classmates as we completed our programs. This also made me feel like I was still a part of the Point Park community even though I was not on campus. My professors were engaging and responsive and I never felt like I was an outsider.
Culture of Growth and Relevancy
One of the best aspects of my program was that the work was relevant. I could tailor many of my assignments to areas I was already working on or wanted to address within my building. I felt that through my programs Point Park was contributing to me as a learner, and I was then able to turn around and give that to my staff and students. To foster a culture of growth, I need to be a part of that and be a role model. Point Park University gave me that opportunity.
Interested in continuing your education? Check out our education graduate programs and take your next step today!