Five Ways to Increase Teacher Agency in Professional Development

When it comes to professional development, it is always important to take advantage of the opportunities that come with it. This includes taking advantage of teacher-led professional development events and workshops. However, there are many other ways to increase teacher agency in professional development. Here are five ways to do just that.
- Take advantage of online resources.
Online resources can be great for increasing teacher agency. This includes resources such as online courses and videos. Online courses can be accessed from anywhere, and they are often updated regularly. Videos can be accessed on-demand or rented, which gives teachers the ability to use them as they see fit.
- Use interactive exercises.
Interactive exercises can help teachers explore different concepts. This can be done through flashcards, games, or discussions. Interactive exercises can also help teachers learn from their mistakes.
- Use group meetings.
Group meetings can help teachers connect with one another. Group meetings can be used to explore new ideas, share experiences, and discuss challenges. Group meetings can also be used to connect with educators from other schools in the area.
- Use reflective writing exercises.
Reflective writing exercises can help teachers reflect on their experiences in professional development. Reflective writing exercises can help teachers develop their own ideas about professional development and how they can be used in their classrooms.
- Use video-recorded interviews.
Video-recorded interviews can be a great tool for increasing teacher agency. This can be done with educators from other schools in the area. Interviews can help teachers learn about different aspects of professional development, and they can also learn about what works and does not work in professional development.