PArt 3 of Exchange with teachers

 I discussed with the teachers with whom I correspond with about the requirements we have for our professional development. In Pre-k we have to attend training once a year plus some for our school board. In pre-k it is mandatory for 2 people to be in the room at all times so we have to have subs on the days of training and when we are absent due to sickness.   

 Jackie from England stated that  in their district,they have less short courses at our local teacher's center due to monetary constraints - no money to release teachers!  However, there are lots of opportunities for CPD through our universities and we currently have three teachers studying for masters - one in the 'every child a writer project' , another in maths education and a third in family learning.   Our head and the board of governors are very supportive of any extra training any teacher wants to take on and some has been part-funded in school. Within school, we have peer observations and mentoring projects to support both new and existing staff- you're never too old to learn new things!

 Kathy who teaches at an airforce base in Japan stated  that the teachers there  have to renew our certification every 5 years and you must have 10 credit hours in your field to renew.  We have in the past had Scholastic courses offered that were paid for by the school.  None offered this year though.  We have a University of Maryland and University of Phoenix school here on our base that offers some graduate level education course.

 I think it is neat that they have Unniversities there on the base.  I also find  it very pleasing to  see that teachers around the world  continue their learning. I like the idea of having peer observations and the mentor projects, I think this would benenfit every school as well as teachers.