Growing Trend in K-12 Professional Development an Integral Part of One Firm's Training

PETERBOROUGH, N.H., March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- There is a growing trend in professional development for K-12 educators. It's called modeling and observation and it can be very effective in improving classroom instruction, boosting student achievement, and creating a professional learning community within a school. But it can also be slow to gain enthusiasm among teachers.

Staff Development for Educators, a New Hampshire-based K-12 professional development firm, can vouch for the success of modeling and observation. They have included it as a part of their sustained professional development training for many years.

When educators come to the close of a segment of ongoing professional development training, they return to the classroom to begin the implementation process. For some, this is a natural extension of their teaching practice. For others, adding new techniques to an already busy teaching schedule can be challenging. Research shows that the best way to ensure proper implementation of a new technique or strategy is to practice it and receive appropriate feedback.

Enter modeling and observation. During modeling, an SDE expert demonstrates proper technique for using strategies from training while teaching a model lesson for school staff to observe. During observation, educators receive critiques and constructive feedback on lessons they have taught, have their questions answered, and receive help with any roadblocks they are experiencing.        

Initially, educators can be apprehensive about modeling and observation because it is often presented and/or misconstrued as a performance evaluation. According to Terra Tarango, President of SDE, "A key ingredient for success in modeling and observation is clearly removing any perceptions of threat or judgment. We have found that when administrators value teachers as professionals and when teachers are eager to hone their craft, then they both view it as an opportunity to learn and improve, and they love it!"

The benefits of modeling and observation enjoyed by educators are plentiful. SDE works with its clients to

• Introduce and reinforce new instructional strategies
• Provide in-the-moment, non-judgmental feedback
• Build teacher confidence in applying newly learned strategies and skills
• Refine existing instructional strategies and determine next steps
• Maximize the time and dollars allotted for training

"What's great about modeling and observation is that educators get real-time coaching. It ensures that what has been learned in training is carried forward to the classroom and implemented effectively," reports Tarango.

Modeling and observation for educators is just one offering among a wide range of professional development training opportunities offered by SDE.

About SDE

SDE provides professional development for PreK through Grade 12 educators. Through Onsite PD, PD Events, Web-based PD, and PD Resources, the company empowers teachers and administrators across the country with ongoing professional development that is not only research-based, innovative, and rigorous, but also practical, motivating, and fun. All SDE training is presented by the nation's top authors and educational experts, with the goal of creating extraordinary classrooms that prepare students for the evolving demands of the 21st century.

Educators interested in learning more about SDE's national conferences and the many other professional development opportunities offered by SDE can visit the company's website, www.SDE.com, or call 1-800-462-1478.

Michelle Reed 
Staff Development for Educators 
Email

SOURCE Staff Development for Educators