“Educators engage in professional learning”

Teachers should continually engage in professional learning and self reflection to grow and improve. they should seek opportunities to enhance their teaching skills, stay updated with the latest educational practices, and refine their approach based on research and professional standards.

As part of my professional learning journey, I participated in SIVA training, led by Angelina, a district support teacher for inclusive education. This full-day training helped me understand brain development at different ages and its impact on student behavior. It explained why students may act out, often due to emotional or developmental reasons. As an educator, it’s my responsibility to provide consistent support to help students grow both academically and emotionally.

The training also covered learning disabilities such as autism and strategies to address them. I learned how to identify signs when students feel unsafe and how to handle such situations effectively. The principles of Holistic Safety, Collaboration, Goal Direction, and Healthy Empowerment were particularly insightful. I also practiced strategies for managing classroom violence, knowing when to seek help from principals or school-based teams, and ensuring inclusivity in the classroom. 

Additionally, each observational visit I have made has been like professional learning. I have learned so much from observing schools, including classroom management techniques, the relationship between teachers and students, different teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, inclusive education practices, and how school communities’ function. These visits have provided real-world insights into what makes a successful and inclusive learning environment.

I also attended a session with Rjay Berra (in EDUC 394), who shared practical advice on teaching. He emphasized the importance of building relationships with students, setting clear rules early, staying innovative, and not taking things personally. His session reminded me how essential it is to be adaptable and reflective as an educator.

For me, every day is a learning experience. Coming from a different education system, I have had to learn a lot about the Western education approach. Without continuous professional development, it would be difficult for me to feel confident in the classroom.

As an educator, I believe it’s my duty to engage in professional development activities. This helps me stay updated on new strategies and technologies while improving my teaching practices. No one is perfect, so we all need to keep learning every day.