Educators engage in professional learning.

This week I was grateful to go to the Prince George Public Library to learn about professional resources and development. Standard 7 states that educators would engage in professional learning. An important take away from this field trip was that teaching and educating is not stagnant. As an educator, it is important to consistently grow as a teacher and as an individual. Access to professional resources is a valuable way to grow as a teacher and benefits the children in that they get to learn new experiences. Learning is a life-long process, and I strongly believe teachers learn every day as well.

One thing that stood out to me at the library is the number of teacher-specific resources they had that are completely free and easily accessible. The library had amazing story kits to help kids read and learn about different subjects. For example, some of the story kits were outer space, jungle, community helpers, animals of the north and seasons. These kits enforce hands-on learning and experimentation and give teachers ideas and spark creativity. From the perspective of an elementary school teacher, these resources are great for students of younger ages to help connect with what they are learning. Teachers can also reach out at any point to the staff at the library to help them find resources and find a good fit for the classroom. This collaboration is a great way to develop professionally and learn more about what resources are available for teacher use.    

Lastly, one thing I loved about the library is that it is an open, loving space where they are hopeful to welcome people of all ages and demographics. I even got a library card! Everything at the library is easily accessible for everyone. Tours around the library would make a great field trip for my future class, as the students can also learn what is available and free for them to use. A form of professional learning is the ability to find resources for students and make students aware of where they can find knowledge that the teacher cannot give them. As an educator, consistently learning how to grow and be better in the classroom can inspire children to do the same. Professionally developing skills of finding resources and learning more about different subjects through exploration can be transferred to the kids.