Teacher In-Service: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Many teachers are starting back to work already. And along with the new school year comes in-service training. In-service is either good, it is bad, or it is downright ugly. The good in-service is really professional development. School districts should always aim for professional development and not waste teachers’ time with anything less important.
The good in-service or professional development:
1. Here, in-service is so great you think about it forever. In-service that has to do with the National Writing Project is like that. If you have the opportunity to attend one of these in-service programs, please do. This work-shop is usually presented by teachers, and it is all about helping students express themselves through writing. Students usually love what you take away from this preparation. Hear that, David “No one gives a s#$^ about narrative writing” Coleman?
2. Some in-service stretches what you know and might be difficult to master, but it gives you something you can take with you when you leave. Teachers know they will appreciate it later. Here, I’m remembering when I was introduced to the internet and www. It was confusing at first, but it opened the doors to learning and being a better, more interesting teacher.
3. The same thing goes with learning how to utilize new technology in the classroom. I’m talking here about having Teacher In-Service: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: