What is the expectation of an instructor? The primary goal is to foster and ensure the educational well being of students. They are to provide an environment conducive to learning, and ensure their students are receiving quality education. Yet, what are we doing for our instructors? What is benefiting them as far as development?
The answer? Professional development funds. Development funds are those financial resources available for educators to use in our field. We know what it means to have access to funds that don’t necessarily make our jobs easier, but it makes the learning experience more positive.
For those seeking careers in higher education such as an adjunct faculty or part of the core faculty, there exists a need for investing in professional development funds. These careers in higher education do not come easy. These funds are available to help those in the field build their career and further their own education.
Where do the funds go? I found the most positive results of using funds to do the following:
- Attend workshops
- Learn from professional communities
- Build a stronger foundation for online teaching
The year 2020 has been quite a vicious storm of problems for educators. The pandemic has created mass cancellation of conferences and workshops across the nation. Professional educators thrive on these conferences, learning from experts in a field. They benefit from learning through each other’s practice. Thanks to professional development funds, they grow either as an adjunct faculty or core faculty. The most important thing an educator can do is learn for themselves, thus helping enhance the learning journey.
Professional communities are another excellent resource. I have learned, over time, that a sense of community among educators is vital and benefits everyone involved. Even though the year has been marred by Covid-19 and we, as educators, have witnessed changes we never thought would exist, the community has perhaps grown even stronger. In light of the changes, we must bind together through the access of development funds to further enhance our skills. These funds can help us acquire what we need to help build our knowledge and skill set.
We all know the advent of online teaching has set a new course for educational delivery. With the building of better technology, we can engage with our students on a new level. A stronger online presence will help enrich the learning paths of students and educators alike.
Funds that help educators are essential to the growth and development of both educators and students. We are in the midst of change. We need to embrace the future.
To learn more about how Dr. Loren M. Hill can help you navigate the benefits of professional development funds Click HERE to schedule a FREE consultation.