Professional Development Plan: Teacher's Growth and Development

This professional development plan outlines a framework for teacher growth, emphasizing the importance of understanding student needs, ethical considerations, and effective teaching strategies. The plan begins with an introduction to professional development, followed by an overview of r...Read More

Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Introduction
The professional development plan includes the ability of the professionals to
understand the expectations of the professions matching their own capabilities to fulfil all the
expectations. It is essential for me to take my career on my own hand so that I can efficiently
point out my strengths and weaknesses and overcome them all within a desired limit of time.
Professional development plan is a valuable document that can establish both the
career development goals as well as the strategies to meet them. Professional development
plan is essential for those who are starting their professional career or reassessing future
development. The professional development plan serves a very useful guide by framing the
strength and weaknesses of the persons, areas of need, along with the available resources.
The idea is based on self-awareness of persons who aims to achieve the goals detailed in the
plan.
In the Professional development plan, there are few essential elements for sucess
which mainly depends upon the proper gathering of information and adequate judgement of
the personal situation. This helps in the prediction of the improvement gets appropriated.
Along with the understanding of the personal strengths and weaknesses, scope for growing
skills are gained through proper professional development plan. This professional
development plan will include the elements like leadership, communicability and assessing
capabilities which will help me to develop myself as a successful teacher overcoming all the
weakness.
Overview of Readings
Professional development is an essential part of the success of the persons who thrive
for the best in their career. The teaching profession is an essential and noble profession;

2PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
therefore, professional development is mandatory. According to the study by Darling-
Hammond, Hyler and Gardner (2017), it is expected that the teachers of this 21st century will
be able to create scope for the students to learn different complicated skills. this helps them to
adapt to the different types of changes in the world. It is the increasing interest in
sophisticated learning. In the idea of professional growth, the teachers come under various
aspects where they are bound with regulations, ethics, abilities and cultural barriers.
According to the study by O'Connor, Yasik and Horner, (2016), the education system of
different countries is supported and guided by different types of laws which mainly create a
framework for the teachers and schools to operate successfully. this also helps in the growth
for every student irrespective of their economic and social background. There are some
legislations which in one hand empower the teachers so that they can set the curriculum
according to the proper assessment of the needs of the students and in other hand empower
the students to get right and appropriate feedback of their progress by the teachers. The study
by Essex (2011), teachers cannot impose students with their religious beliefs, teaching should
be secular, and teachers should keep religion and classroom separate. By law, teachers will be
fired if they fail to comply with the regulations. According to Individuals with Disabilities
Education Improvement Act of 2004 all schools supposed to provide free appropriate
education addressing the needs of all the students with disabilities and need to include them
in the main stream with the jurisdiction. Every student who needs support is eligible for
Response to Intervention by the teacher and teacher should monitor the progress, collect the
data and use the data in designing the instructional strategies for the individuals. Strict actions
will be taken on teachers who try to discipline a child with disabilities, which is a violation
not only with IDEA but also with an individual student with disabilities.
In some countries, the disable children get a scope for private education system where the
teachers have found out different techniques and strategies for their active learning. The study

3PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
by Nelson, Palonsky and McCarthy, (2017) emphasized on the fact that schools should
welcome and treat all students equally but also have effective techniques, procedures and
policies to control the disruptive behaviour or give options to move to an alternative school.
Further study also focussed on mainstreaming and the concept of “least restrictive
environment” where students with special needs who demonstrate appropriate behaviour can
be a part of regular classrooms. The laws and court decisions on inclusion helped many
students and students enjoying the social benefits. Education shapes individuals for life
schools are the places where students are groomed and evolve to global citizens, hence
anything that interferes with schooling will be tackled by zero tolerance policies (Nelson,
Palonsky & McCarthy, 2017).
Like any other industries, the ethical decision making process is mandatory for the
education industry also. According to the study by Mathur and Corley (2014), the ethical
decision making process of the teachers is mandatory because in the schools there are
students from different economic and cultural levels. In this regard, the class differentiation
within the class may lead to depravation where the teachers may show attentiveness to the
students from higher economic class students rather than to the students from the lower
income families. In addition to this, the problems of showing inclination towards the able
students rather than the disable who need their teachers the most is seen. Hence proper
decision making before teaching is essential. These economic, social and cultural factors
often create problem in the proper identification of the knowledge gap of the students. The
classrooms may be culturally diverse; therefore, the teacher may not respect all the cultures in
a similar manner, which is not expected.
Truong (2016), in his study, has found out that the learning styles of the students
around the world are different based on which the teachers get pieces of training so that they
can reach more likably in the minds of their students. Now with the advent of technological

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advancement, the e-learning system has gained priorities. Integrating learning styles and
adaptive e-learning system thus create an impact on the efficiency of the teachers in this 21st
century (Cheng & Chau, 2016). In addition to these, the personality of the teachers and the
students need to have the compatibility and personal understanding which help to build
personal dependability. The more the teachers are like leaders, the more growth will be found
in the class rooms. In addition to this, effective collaboration with the other teacher members
to improve student learning process.
As a teacher in the schools of a multicultural society, it is essential to keep the
students get strengthen with their future growth. Building on student’s background
knowledge and scaffolding the learning is very important for continuous learning (Fisher,
2012). Teachers should understand and capitalize on students’ diverse cultures., if properly
tapped by the teachers and connect it to the content and allow the students to interact with
peers and share, use internet resources, create meaningful experiences, field trips, effective
questioning, virtual tours, guest speakers then background knowledge develops. The
important factor for teachers to check whether the background knowledge is relevant core
knowledge or just incidental. Today’s twenty first century students are just not mere
consumers of information, they are also producers of it only if we tell them how to do it
(Fisher, 2012). The achievement gap is a term that most teachers are familiar with- it is
simply the difference in test scores that exists between middle and high-income students and
other subgroups that may include certain races or groups from a lower socioeconomic status.
Murphy notes that while teachers should implement various interventions for each group, not
all interventions are equal for all groups. Although there is no magic formula, he goes on to
encourage educators to focus more on socioeconomic status of low-achieving students, rather
than race. Multiple strategies should be employed that include both academic as well as

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environmental factors. Finally, he recommends that teachers continue to implement
strategies because the longer we intervene the better results we will see (Murphy, 2009).
In the United States, ethnic and racial groups are put in the minority groups have had
to fight for their histories to be included in school curriculum and textbooks. The earliest
type of inclusion of the histories of these groups was the use of ethnic heroes and holidays.
Marginalized groups were able to see their experiences incorporated into society and the
curriculum and White students began to understand how all groups’ histories were
intertwined. Although the inclusion of heroes and holidays was a step in the right direction, it
was discovered that there were so many other variables that needed to be reformed in order to
comprehensively implement multicultural education. “These variables are: school policy and
politics, school culture and hidden curriculum, learning styles of the school, languages and
dialects of the school, community participation and input, counselling programs, assessment
and testing procedures, instructional materials, the formalized curriculum and course of
study, teaching styles and strategies, and school staff: attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and
actions.” (Banks, 2013, p. 75).
I believe that the goal of multicultural education is not only to represent all student
groups in education textbooks and schools, but also to ensure that all students are educated.
Proponents of multicultural education agree that students from every ethnic group have the
ability to be educated if schools can meet their needs. They go on to argue that the inclusion
of diverse perspectives in education can enrich the lives of other students and all students’
academic achievement has the potential to increase when teachers use culturally responsive
pedagogy (Banks, 2013). As the United States strives to be globally competitive, it is
important that we understand our own cultural diversity. This understanding can enlighten us
as we consider our place in the world and as our nation continues to grow and change.

6PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
An important element of multicultural education that must not be overlooked is how
teachers can impact students. When teachers become more culturally aware and sensitive, it
improves relationships with their students and parents. Eberly, Joshi, and Konzal (2007)
explain that teachers must have open and trusting communication with parents if students are
to succeed. This type of communication can prevent misunderstandings due to different
expectations (Eberly, Joshi, & Konzal, 2007). Teachers need to be extra vigilant about
“Equity Pedagogy” while transacting the curriculum attending, working towards success of
each and every student by being culturally responsive to students from diverse, racial,
cultural and social-class groups. If every teacher works in a similar manner, then the school
culture and social structure will be empowered (Nelson, Palonsky & McCarthy, 2017).
Philosophy and Dispositions
I believe that all the children are unique in their own ways and have some specific
learning needs as well as styles. I will definitely consider the weaknesses as well as
uniqueness of the students of my class and assist them to express themselves to embrace
changes. My role as a teacher is to present a general and acceptable curriculum that will
present curriculum for incorporating different styles. I shall incorporate real life and hands on
learning process, cooperative learning, themes, projects and individual works so that they can
enjoy their activated learning. I believe that teachers are morally obliged for entering the
classroom with highest expectations for every one of the students. I as a teacher will be
maximizing the positive benefits which naturally come along with the self-fulfilling prophecy
with dedication, hard work and perseverance. I aim to bring a positive attitude, open
mindedness and higher expectations to the classroom where my students will be motivated all
the time. I shall be diligence, consistency and warmth through my capabilities, and I hope I
will grow in my profession within the expected time.

7PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Propositions
The propositions that have been set for the educational institutions in the given area
tend to help in the well -being and development of the students who have been around. The
teachers and the educators are advised to remain committed to the students of the area as well
as the learning processes that are undertaken by the concerned students (Studak & Allison,
2016). The students should be treated with equality and the differences that exist within the
students should be discussed in a proper manner. The teachers are expected to look into the
differences among the students and work on the differences in order to help them deal with
the issues that they face during their learning of a certain subject. The teachers are further
advised to remain well-versed with the subjects that they would be teaching to the students.
This would help the teachers to address the doubts that the students might raise.
The teachers are also held responsible for the management and the monitoring of the
learnings that are acquired by the students. The teachers should be held responsible for
developing the engagement among the students in the classes. The teachers are also advised
to conduct proper analysis of the learning that is maintained by the students and thereafter
explain their performance to the guardians of the children (Willingham, Hughes & Dobolyi,
2015). The teachers are known to have been practising systematic thinking and develop the
learning from the experiences that they gather. The teachers are also considered to be
responsible members of the various educational communities.
Strengths and Weaknesses
I have a number of strengths that help me in conducting my daily activities in a proper
manner. The strengths of mine include the punctuality that I demonstrate. I am capable of
demonstrating myself as a responsible member of the educational society. I am known to
have been capable of assessing the development of the students and providing constructive

8PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
feedbacks regarding their progress to their parents. The other major strength that helps me
maintain my position in the schools refer to the fact that I am capable of developing a proper
understanding of the subjects that are to be taught to the students. I can develop a proper
understanding of the subject and this helps me in gaining a greater amount of confidence in
my profession.
However, I have a number of weaknesses as well. The major weakness that I face
relates the communication problems. I am capable of creating the presentations for the
students but I feel nervous while delivering the presentations. The other issue that I face in
this case refer to the problems of assessing the students. I am not capable of assessing the
students on their understanding capability and thus face problems in maintaining the harmony
in the classroom (Willingham, Hughes & Dobolyi, 2015). The other major issue that I face in
terms of dealing with the students refer to the lack in my capabilities in gauging the
understanding of the students and their understanding of the subject. I also face issues in
providing the required motivation to the students despite being capable of understanding the
matter myself in a fluent manner.
Plan for Improvement
Areas of
weakness
Reason for
necessity of
skills
Current
proficiency
Target
proficiency
Resources Time
Lack of in-
depth
knowledge
Of critical
issues in the
Knowledge
of learning
theories and
practices is
very
Knows the
general issues
in the
educational
system in
Gaining
confidence to
discuss with
peers and
write papers
Started reading
American
history and
looking up for
articles in
Six
months

9PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Educational
system of
United
states of
America
important to
deal with
students,
parents and
staff on daily
basis
different
countries but
thorough
knowledge
about United
States is
required to be
effective in my
teaching
career.
and link
some of it in
day to day
teaching
current issues
in American
education and
looking for
teachable
moments to
create
learning
experiences
for students.
newspapers,
education
magazines. I
will enroll for
some elective
courses on
American
education
system,
solutions to
critical issues,
laws, policies
and procedures
of states to gain
deeper
understanding
and incorporate
the learning
from findings
into practice
Learning
Skills on
instructiona
l policies,
allocation
The
profession of
teaching
mandates
intense
Effective
collaboration
with the other
teacher
members to
Ability to
work with the
other
professionals
on the
Proper training,
studies from
internet and
various case
studies, being a
Six
months

10PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
of
resources,
collaboratio
n and
community
partnerships
(Profession
al learning
communitie
s)
learning
process.
This gives
scope for the
progress in
my career as
well as
quality of
service given
by the school
to the
students.
Through this
process a
large
knowledge
pool is
developed
that gives
scope for
adapting with
changes,
innovation.
improve
student
learning
process.
curriculum
development,
instructional
policy and
staff
development.
member in
“Innovate my
school” site,
following
innovative
educators on
Instagram,
twitter, like
George Course,
Eric couch(best
teachers of the
year)
Be a part of
faculty
communities
and professional
learning school
within the
school and
beyond
Managing
and
. Assessment
is learning
Assessing the
progress of the
Knowing to
assess the
Join free courses
on coursera
(courses from
reputed
Six
months

11PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
monitoring
student
learning
(Assessmen
t)
and it is very
important to
check for
understandin
g at every
stage of the
student,
collect data,
modify
instructional
strategies,
monitor,
measure the
progress and
provide with
next steps.
students by
motivating
them and
moving
fluently
through the
ranges of
instructional
techniques.
growth of the
students.
Finding
methods to
reduce the
gaps in
students
achievement
and
enhancing
their learning
universities)
Assessment for
learning offered
by University of
Illinois
Mentor support
and colleagues
help(moderation
of assessments)
course
.
Documentat
ion (being a
part of
learning
community
of visible
thinking
project-
Documentati
on is the key
to make
thinking
visible
I need to
work on my
writing skills
Need to work
on the writing
skills
Through
effective
strategies that
ensure
quality
learning and
understandin
g of the
Be a part of the
writing centers
and take one on
one sessions to
help with
writing to
improve the skill
and use it in the
One
year

12PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
collaboratin
g with other
and sharing
the
classroom
experiences
and new
ideas,
approaches,
thinking
routines
used,
students’
artifacts)
to document
the processes
of the
students and
use them to
inform
planning to
make
curriculum
adjustments
students. classroom to
document well
Join webinars on
visible thinking,
documentation
webinars by
Harvard
graduate school
of education
Giving
constructive
feedback to
students
This is
necessary for
developing
the ability to
the
development
of the
characters as
well as civic
responsibiliti
es.
Have self-
discipline and
will power to
control the
students for
misbehavior.
Strong
personality
trait that
mandate the
students to be
Ability to
assess the
growth of the
students both
of their
studies as
well as
personality.
Giving
constructive
feedback so
Communicating
with parents
often and
assessing
students on the
basis of their
academic
knowledge
One
year

13PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
successful in
the class room.
that they feel
motivated
and like the
behavior of
the teacher.

14PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
References
Banks, J. A. (2013). The Construction and Historical Development of Multicultural
Education, 1962–2012. Theory Into Practice, 52(sup1), 73–
82. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2013.795444
Cheng, G., & Chau, J. (2016). Exploring the relationships between learning styles, online
participation, learning achievement and course satisfaction: An empirical study of a
blended learning course. British Journal of Educational Technology, 47(2), 257-278.
Cox, M. D. (2004). Introduction to faculty learning communities. New Directions for
Teaching & Learning, 2004(97), 5–23. https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.129
Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. (2017). Effective teacher professional
development.
Eberly, J. L., Joshi, A., & Konzal, J. (2007). Communicating with families across cultures:
An investigation of teacher perceptions and practices. The School Community
Journal, 17(2), 7-26.
Essex, N. (2011). A teacher's pocket guide to school law (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.:
Pearson.
Fisher, D., Frey, N., & Lapp, D. (2012). Building and activating students’ background
knowledge: It’s what they already know that counts. Middle School Journal, 43(3), 22–31.
Hallam,M.K (2009). Why Teacher Dispositions Are a Crucial Aspect of Student
Success. The Language Educator.
Mathur, S. R., & Corley, K. M. (2014). Bringing Ethics into the Classroom: Making a Case
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