Professional Development Continued
As a student in school, I thought Professional Development Days were just days teachers had off to catch up on marking or report cards. I never really understood the value of the days. However, now that I have been lucky enough to attend professional development days as a teacher candidate, I was able to appreciate the value they offered. Throughout my practicum, I was invited to participate in various “pro d days.” My coaching teachers told me to go in with a notepad and an open mind. Looking back, I am glad I did just this; not only was I provided access to great speakers, but I was also lucky enough to network and discuss with a wide variety of like-minded individuals. Some professional development days highlighted included attending the Catholic Educators Conference in Vancouver. This event took place over two days, and over 3000 educators were in attendance, all focused on learning more about becoming better educators. I would take many notes and talk to as many people as possible. I knew this was a great opportunity as a teacher candidate to learn as much as possible and meet potential employers and colleges. The breakout sessions were informative and genuinely eye-opening. The two I attended focused on shifting our conceptions of what autistic learners experience, and the other was about cultural appropriation. Both were very important, especially this early in my teaching career. Professional development days are genuinely beneficial. I look forward to attending more in the future, not just because they are a day without the students constantly asking us to repeat the instructions.