Challenges and Strategies in Teacher Professional Development

Annie Whoo, a mathematics teacher, discusses the challenges teachers face due to a lack of time for professional learning. She emphasizes that professional development doesn't always require formal seminars but can include engaging with research and conversations with colleagues. Annie highlights the importance of schools providing time for teachers to focus on growth, as this prevents demoralization and enhances their effectiveness. She stresses that without such engagement, teachers risk becoming detached from their professional growth and mastery.

What is one major challenge teachers face in professional learning?

• Lack of interest

• Lack of time

• Lack of resources

• Lack of students

How can teachers engage in professional learning besides attending seminars?

• By avoiding discussions

• By reading and engaging with research

• By attending more classes

• By taking more tests

Who are often the best resources for teachers according to the video?

• Colleagues

• Administrators

• Parents

• Students

What should schools provide to help teachers with professional growth?

• More students

• Time and environment

• More deadlines

• More exams

What is the benefit of pausing the rush in schools for teachers?

• To relax and do nothing

• To avoid teaching

• To have conversations about practice

• To ignore responsibilities

What can happen to teachers without engagement in research and discussions?

• They become more relaxed

• They become more creative

• They become demoralized

• They become more motivated

What is the impact of professional discussions on teaching practices?

• They have no impact

• They negatively affect teaching

• They improve teaching practices

• They make teaching more difficult

What is one of the best ways to encourage teachers to continue improving?

• By giving them more work

• By feeding their professional growth

• By increasing their workload

• By reducing their pay

What is the ultimate goal for teachers in their professional development?

• To focus on personal interests

• To avoid challenges

• To become better for their students

• To work less