Page 44 - EdViewptsSpring2021

Motivating Teachers to Pursue

Professional Development

By Florencia Norton, Assistant Principal, Millstone Township Middle School

Although there is some (Claudia, 2015). Understanding while participating in professional
research on teachers’ what motivates teachers to pursue development. Ultimately, if teachers’
perceptions of programs included
professional development can result in
preferences for professional programs that will drive achievement components that made them feel valued
development programs, and best practices. and respected, they would be more
inclined to pursue additional sessions.
there is little research to Professional development programs It is essential to gain a deeper under-
must meet all teachers’ needs while
support what motivates keeping motivations and preferences in standing of teachers’ motivations to af-
teachers to pursue them. mind (Khan et al., 2016). Through my fect student success directly. Teachers
research which includes interviewing
should be compensated and empow-
Professional development has a direct teachers on their perceptions, I ered to continue professional devel-
effect on student success, so there identified six factors that teachers opment by providing them with the
is a need for deeper understanding perceived as impacting their motivation necessary resources that they identify
of ways to ensure that programs are to pursue professional development: (Yurtseven, 2017). Training resources
effective and engaging for educators. Compensation, acquiring graduate and current, innovative professional
Training resources need to be credits or certifications, earning development practices must be in-
available to educators to stay current professional development hours, cluded to motivate teachers and ensure
with the ever-evolving educational attending programs with engaging professional growth. District adminis-
policies and initiatives and motivate topics, earning high teacher evaluations, trators and educational organizations
teachers to advance in their careers and maintaining a positive mindset that provide professional development

Educational Viewpoints -42- Spring 2021