a process of learning and keeping up-to-date in one's area of expertise.
Programs, courses, and activities designed to further educate certified personnel.
refers to any activity that develops an individual's skills, knowledge, expertise and other characteristics as a training/assessment professional. These include personal study and reflection as well as formal courses.
A continuous process of lifelong learning and growth that begins early in life, continues through the undergraduate, pre-service experience, and extends through the in-service years.
Professional development is a process by which individuals enhance their knowledge, skills and attributes in their field of expertise. Quality Assurance The systems and procedures designed and implemented by an organisation to ensure that its products and services are of a consistent standard and are being continuously improved (Knight and Nestor, 2000). Randomisation A process by which subjects are allocated at random to different interventions and/or intervention and control groups. Random allocation implies that any member of the population has an equal and independent chance of being selected for intervention or control groups. (Drug and Alcohol Findings, 2000).
In the child care field, the term refers to opportunities for child care providers to get ongoing training to increase their preparation and skill to care for children. These include mentoring programs, credentialing programs, in-service training, and degree programs.
Increase of knowledge or skill through study, travel, research, workshops or courses, sabbaticals, internships, apprenticeships, residencies or work with a mentor or master. See mentor or master.
courses offered to improve knowledge and skills in a specific professional areas, such as professional certification programs
Programs that may or may not be separate from career development. These focus on helping students gain professional skills and polish, and may include such topics as professional networking and business etiquette. They do not focus on helping students get jobs, but rather on how to be successful once they have entered the workforce.
Training provided by the district and school to boost teachers' skills.
In-service training designed to help school employees, especially teachers, add to or strengthen the specialized knowledge and skills they draw upon in the conduct of their profession.
Quick Reference Chart Career-Long Teacher Development: Policies That Make Sense Concept to Classroom: A Series of Workshops Edutopia Online: Professional Development Financing Professional Development in Education Linking Staff Development to Student Learning Professional Development: Learning From the Best
The completion of professional or educational programs and/or participation in professional organizations that enhance an individual's ability to perform a job.
Classes, training, or other opportunities for school staff to improve their knowledge and skills
This teachers book is an example of professional development£®However, this term is not limited to lectures that teachers must attend£®In fact, it usually refers to activities, conferences, and workshops which teachers voluntarily attend out of curiosity and commitment to the profession in order to learn and share new methods£®Also called In-service Training
A term given to continuing educational opportunities for teachers and principals. It includes training to learn the latest teaching techniques and approaches,  so educators can stay current in their fields and students can benefit from the latest methods.
Courses offered to improve knowledge and skills in a specific professional area. For instance, nurses might take additional courses in health-related topics as professional development.
On-going job training. This includes both pre- and in-service training as well as technical assistance and mentorship.
Professional growth opportunities by means of which teachers can improve their learning and teaching. These can take a variety of forms, for example, action research, workshop attendance, journal writing, or taking courses.
Educational opportunities for school teachers and administrative personnel with goals of personal and professional growth, and school improvement. Professional development is often called staff development. ( learn more)
(Skills, activities and experiences designed to improve professional effectiveness within present job.)
Professional development often refers to skills required for maintaining a specific career path or to general skills offered through continuing education, including the more general skills area of personal development. It can be seen as training to keep current with changing technology and practices in a profession or in the concept of lifelong learning. Developing and implementing a program of professional development is often a function of the human resources department of a large corporation or institution.