As in other professions, the complexity of teaching requires continued growth and development in order for teachers to remain current. Continuing to stay informed and increasing their skills allows teachers to become ever more effective and to exercise leadership among their colleagues. The academic disciplines themselves evolve, and educators constantly refine their understanding of how to engage students in learning; thus, growth in content, pedagogy, and information technology are essential to good teaching. Networking with colleagues through such activities as joint planning, study groups, and lesson study provides opportunities for teachers to learn from one another. These activities allow for job-embedded professional development. In addition, professional educators increase their effectiveness in the classroom by belonging to professional organizations, reading professional journals, attending educational conferences, and taking university classes. As they gain experience and expertise, educators find ways to contribute to their colleagues and to the profession.
(Danielson, C. 2013)
My peers and I completed a major case study for one of our final projects in Idaho Comprehensive Literacy II. This involved great collaboration and cooperation to complete this taxing project. We effectively communicated as professional educators, as if we were in this situation actually trying to aid the case-study student. We all equally contributed, and we were equally rewarded for our hard work.
As shown above, my resume has impressively grown with more educational-based skills. From my years at BYU-Idaho, I have been able to embed professional development.