As any professional knows, regardless of the industry, being able to have the opportunity to take on some professional development in some shape, way or form, is always a bonus to one's job. Luckily, my preschool has a set budget each year for both myself and my T.A to use for our own professional development. And as we all know, the way budget cuts are happening currently, I will take what I can get... privately.
But that's not what this post is about. It's about the importance of continuing our education from a career standpoint in the early childhood education field. Quite frankly, it's more than just sitting for a day, transitioning from workshop to workshop, writing notes that you will never read the day after, taking free stuff, and spending money on things for your classroom that you might use but, a year later, it's still sitting in the plastic. Professional development in the E.C.E field is about observation and reflection. And here's why.
First and foremost, when you go to these events, the first thing you do is observe. And when you're observing, it's EVERYTHING - every person that you cross paths with, the environment, the materials, the system in how the conference or workshop is being carried out.. even the clock on the wall. While you're observing, you may even become judgemental and realize there are people sitting beside you who shouldn't be because they're opinions do not match their profession. I'm not ashamed to say it because it's true and I've done it. You also observe the benfits and drawbacks to government spending with initatives and projects. That can also make you judgemental for obvious reasons. But most importantly, as you're observing what you see and hear (and possibly smell...), you start reflecting. You begin reflecting on your observations in both positive and negative forms.
"I would never show up in sweats for a conference", "Oh! That's a great idea to promote language development through such-and-such rhyme!", "Who the hell runs that daycare and is ACCREDITED!?", "What a great presenter on brain development.. I wish I was with them all day". At some point or another, thoughts like these ones occur because you are reflecting and deciding on what you're going to take from it. You're going to think about how your teachings may be altered, how your approach to your profession is professional enough, if you're giving your 100% each and every day you are with those kids. All these things and more, contribute to your profession and how you plan to develop within it. Yes, these events are great for new ideas and/or strategies that haven't been tested before. It's even great for networking as you never know who knows who. However, I feel the real benefit to it, it allowing yourself the opportunity to submerge in the whole concept as it demonstrates the thought process of "I can always do more". When you allow yourself to become involved in such opportunities, then it speaks to others of how much you truly care about the professional-you. And the ripple effect continues.
And this is all because you decided to take on some professional development. It's more than just sitting with a bunch of strangers listening to other strangers preach about various aspects of our jobs. It's about developing into something more because YOU can and you believe it. That's why professional development is key.
On a side note, I know the posts of have been scarce and there have been requests as to an explanation. I do have a secret to share, but not quite yet. It'll come in due time.
And no, I'm not pregnant.
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