As an Early Career Teacher, it is important to continuously develop your professional practice. This means engaging in a variety of different types of CPD throughout your training years. In this article, we will discuss 10 different types of CPD that are beneficial for ECTs. Keep reading to learn more!
Related: For more, check out our article on How Often Should An ECT Meet Their Mentor here.
CPD Every ECT Needs:
Behaviour Management CPD
There are a variety of behaviour management CPD options available for early childhood educators. Each one has its own benefits, and it is important to select the right CPD for your individual needs. Every ECT should look to make a behaviour management course their first priority.
These courses provide practical strategies for dealing with challenging behaviours, and they can also help to build your confidence as a teacher. There are also many different types of behaviour management CPD available, so you can choose a course that focuses on the areas that you need to improve. Whether you are looking to improve your child management skills or build your knowledge of child development, there is a behaviour management CPD course that is perfect for you.
Online CPD courses
While there are plenty of traditional face-to-face CPD courses available, I’ve found that online courses can offer a lot of advantages. For one thing, they’re often cheaper than traditional courses, and they can offer a greater range of topics. They also sometimes offer accreditation, which can help further your career.
A great example of an online CPD course provider is the National College, which offers a wide range of courses at very reasonable prices. In addition, their courses are often very well-reviewed by students, so you can be confident that you’re getting quality training. So if you’re looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to improve your skills as an ECT teacher, definitely consider taking some online CPD courses.
In-person conferences and workshops
When it comes to professional development, there is simply no substitute for getting out of the office and attending a conference or workshop in person. While online learning has its advantages, it can be quite isolating. In contrast, conferences and workshops provide an opportunity to network with other educators, learn about new approaches and technologies, and gain valuable feedback from experts in the field.
Best of all, there is a huge variety of conferences and workshops to choose from, so there is always something new to learn. For any ECT teacher who is looking to stay ahead of the curve, attending m in-person conferences and workshops is a must.
Collaborating with other teachers
When you collaborate with other teachers, it’s like getting a master’s degree in teaching. You get to see what strategies they use that work (and don’t work) in the classroom. You also get to share ideas and resources, which is especially beneficial if you’re a new teacher. And let’s not forget about the social aspect of collaborating with other teachers.
It’s nice to have someone to commiserate with when those kids just won’t behave! So if you’re an ECT teacher, make sure to seek out opportunities to collaborate with your colleagues. It will make you a better teacher and a more well-rounded person.
Observing experienced teachers
When you’re an experienced teacher, sometimes it’s easy to forget what it was like to be a newbie. That’s why observing experienced teachers can be so beneficial for early childhood education teachers.
By watching and listening to veteran educators, you can learn new techniques and pick up helpful tips that you might not have otherwise discovered on your own. Plus, it’s a great way to stay fresh and engaged in your profession. And who knows? You might even learn a thing or two that you can teach the veterans!
Reflecting on your own practice
As an ECT teacher, it is important to reflect on your own practice. This is because it allows you to identify strengths and weaknesses, and learn from your mistakes. It also helps you to keep an open mind and be receptive to new ideas.
Furthermore, reflecting on your own practice can help you to improve your teaching methods, and make your lessons more enjoyable for both yourself and your students. So next time you’re having a bad day, take a moment to reflect on your own practice. It might just be the thing that makes you a better teacher.
Reading professional literature
As an ECT teacher, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field. One way to do this is by reading professional literature. By reading articles written by experts in the field, you can learn about new strategies and techniques that you can use in your own classroom. In addition, reading professional literature can help you to keep abreast of educational trends and changes.
This knowledge can be invaluable when it comes time to develop your own curriculum or teach new concepts to your students. Professional literature can also provide you with new ideas for activities and projects that you can use in your classroom. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your teaching skills, be sure to add some professional literature to your reading list.
Joining a professional organisation
When you become an ECT teacher, there are some professional organizations that you can join. Each one has its own benefits, but all of them can help you to develop your career and connect with other ECT professionals. Here are just a few of the reasons why joining a professional organization is a good idea:
1. You’ll have access to resources and information that can help you in your career.
2. You’ll be able to network with other ECT professionals, which can lead to new opportunities.
3. You’ll stay up-to-date on industry news and trends.
4. You’ll be able to attend conferences and events, which can be great for professional development.
5. You’ll have access to member discounts on products and services.
So if you’re thinking about becoming an ECT teacher, be sure to consider joining a professional organization. It’s a great way to support your career and connect with other like-minded professionals.
Presenting at a conference or workshop
Teachers who want to move up in the world of academia often feel pressure to present at conferences and workshops. While this can certainly be a valuable way to gain visibility and build your credentials, it’s not the only way to get ahead. In fact, presenting at a conference or workshop can actually be harmful to your career.
First of all, it takes a lot of time and effort to prepare a presentation, and you might not even end up using all of the material you’ve prepared. Secondly, you’ll likely have to pay your own way to the conference, which can be costly. Thirdly, you’ll need to take time away from your classes and students to attend the conference or workshop.
And finally, you might find yourself in the position of having to defend your ideas to a group of experts who are already sceptical of your abilities. So, while presenting at a conference or workshop can certainly be beneficial, it’s not necessarily the best use of your time or money.
Writing for a professional publication
When I started my career as an ECT teacher, I never imagined that I would one day be writing for a professional publication. But as I progressed in my career, I realized that writing could be a powerful tool for promoting my ideas and connecting with other educators. And so, I decided to take the plunge and submit an article to a respected journal in my field. The process was not always easy, but it was definitely worth it.
Not only did I receive valuable feedback from the editor, but I also gained a wider audience for my work. In addition, writing for a professional publication helped me to sharpen my thinking and hone my argumentative skills. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my ideas with the world, and I would encourage other ECT teachers to consider doing the same.
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