Lifelong Learning Improves Teaching Skills

Every teacher wants to create an optimized learning environment that provides the students in their classroom the best opportunity for success. One way to do this is for teachers to make an investment in themselves—an investment that will equip them with the knowledge and confidence they need to excel as educators. Just as a teacher emphasizes to their students the importance of being a lifelong learner, so is an educator’s own participation in professional learning and development to enhance their abilities in the classroom. As teachers develop greater expertise and skills, they will be able to assume leadership roles at their schools in which they can achieve changes in curriculum and instructional methods that will better meet the needs of their students. Nancy Holincheck, assistant professor, and academic program coordinator in the Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning program in the School of Education at George Mason University, recently discussed how ongoing professional learning can help teachers grow in their careers.

Belonging to a community of teacher colleagues can facilitate professional learning and an exchange of ideas.

There are a variety of ways in which an individual can engage in continuous learning. For teachers, one strategy is to find a learning community of educators who are willing to share their experiences with what works for them in the classroom. A supportive teaching community can facilitate an exchange of ideas and knowledge through which a teacher can learn about effective instructional strategies informed by research. For example, as schools across the nation become more diverse, teachers are tasked with finding new ways to connect with students of differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds so that the curriculum remains relevant to the student and is presented in a manner that is aligned with how they learn best. In a learning community of educators, individuals relay their own perspectives on culturally responsive teaching drawn from their firsthand experiences and reflections as a practicing teacher. Belonging to a learning community encourages collaboration not only on culturally responsive teaching, but on a wide range of other issues within the teaching profession. It also allows for the development of a professional network that can offer valuable connections leading to future career advancement.

Sharing experiences with each other can build support and confidence among teachers.

In addition to the benefits of information sharing, a learning community of educators can provide teachers with emotional support that will nurture their professional growth. Many educators become stressed as they deal with the myriad of issues that arise in the classroom. Teachers may think that school administrators are unresponsive to their needs or are far removed from the challenges they face daily in the classroom. Being part of a community of educators having experienced similar situations provides teachers with the support they need to address issues more effectively in the classroom. Consequently, teachers can build greater confidence and take more pride in their own abilities as they find a way to work through challenges. This can help minimize teacher burn out, reduce turnover, encourage professional growth, and facilitate increased teacher retention.

For teachers, knowledge is power.

There is a saying that goes “knowledge is power.” For teachers, this is especially true—and this knowledge can be another tool used to increase teacher retention. As educators expand their knowledge, abilities, and qualifications in various aspects of teaching, they will be able to mentor colleagues who are new to the profession. The knowledge teachers develop through continual learning can position them for leadership roles such as department chair, curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, or similar positions where they have greater autonomy over decisions that affect educators and students throughout the school. When this happens, teachers are empowered to bring about changes in school policy that can improve working conditions, and which will result in greater retention of teachers. This is especially important given the ongoing teacher shortage occurring in the United States. It is important to note that these changes do not have to be school-wide to have a positive effect. Even if the changes are specific to a teacher’s individual classroom, providing that educator with the autonomy to engage in instructional practices that work best for them and their students will lead to increased job satisfaction—and that means one more teacher who otherwise might have considered leaving the profession will instead choose to remain in a career that they love.

Professional learning can nurture a passion for teaching.

When teachers engage in continuous learning and professional development, they are more likely to approach the art of teaching with excitement and enthusiasm. For these educators, teaching becomes much more than a job. It becomes a calling. This can lend itself to the creation of a dynamic classroom environment where learning is fun. Teachers who are well-liked and respected in the classroom influence their students in many positive ways that include instilling a genuine love of learning and persuading students to take ownership of their own learning. Some students who are fortunate to have a teacher like this may even be persuaded to consider teaching as a future career option when they prepare to enter the workforce. Teachers committed to ongoing, sustained professional learning and development have skills that enable them to help students recognize their own academic potential and strengths. The message to teachers is clear—invest in lifelong professional learning so you can be better equipped to help your student find their superpower.

To learn more about the Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning program in the School of Education at George Mason University, please visit the program website.