by There are several reasons why teachers would want to attend a teacher training program. Teachers can gain knowledge, expert teaching techniques, new education policies, and how to adapt to new teaching requirements from teacher training.
This blog takes a deep look into how a teacher can find the best teacher training program by using a set of factors.
Understanding the Education Landscape
It is important for teachers looking to improve their teaching capabilities to understand the education landscape. This provides vital insights into what skills and qualifications they require.
This includes the following:
- Age of the children they will be teaching
- Academic and social needs of the students
- Policies laid by governing bodies
- Educational Institute policies and requirements
It will be valuable for teachers to know this information. With it, they make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the best teacher training program for them.
Tips to Select the Best Teacher Training Program
Before comparing teacher training programs to find the best one, teachers should note their goals and what they hope to learn from the program. Based on these preferences, teachers can select the best program that fulfils their requirements.
Here are a few more tips or factors to consider when choosing a teacher training program.
1. Program Structure & Duration
Teachers need to look at the program structure before enrolling. The reason is they have to schedule their commitments. Many teachers will be taking this course while also maintaining a teaching job.
- Full-Time or Part-Time
A part-time program will allow teachers to teach or do other work for half the day. A full-time program will require teachers to be available for the entire day.
While the former may extend the program length, it offers more flexibility. The latter allows you to concentrate completely on the program but offers little flexibility.
- Duration
Certain programs are longer than others and teachers must assess the duration and content are suitable. Programs can last for months or can last up to a year. Teachers can select one based on their needs and availability.
2. Recognition and Accreditation of Program
A teacher training program with greater recognition and is accredited by more bodies is more valuable. Hence, teachers will look to find this information before committing.
- National & State Accreditation
Teachers looking to teach across the nation will want to know whether the program has national or state accreditation.
3. Curriculum Content
This is the most important part of selecting a teacher training program. Ideally, the program should help a preschool become a more effective educator. That said it needs to equip the teacher with all the knowledge and methodologies to adapt to different learning requirements and environments.
- Holistic Development
This type of training offers teachers advice on nurturing children in a way that they develop physically, emotionally, academically, and intellectually. Children in early childhood education will have to develop in all facets of life.
This means teachers in this area will have to know how to nurture children in all areas very carefully. This requires more skill and technique, and one must possess certain personal characteristics as well.
- Pedagogy
The teaching program should employ experts to effectively teach various teaching methods, lesson planning, and classroom management.
- Personalised Education
Every teacher needs to know how to deliver according to diverse learning requirements. This is to ensure teachers can cater to all needs and ensure every student can learn through their teaching.
- Teaching Tools
Teacher training programs should update teachers about the latest and most effective education tools. This includes assessment tools, report generation tools, and lesson planning and resource tools.
4. Practical Theory & Support
Apart from the theory part, teacher training programs should also provide practical knowledge and expertise.
- Internship
Some teacher training programs offer the teachers an internship. An internship is a form of on-the-job training that provides practical experience to teachers.
- Observation & Feedback
Ideally, the teaching programs should also help the teachers learn by taking assessments and providing feedback. This helps teachers learn effectively and learn from their mistakes. It also helps teachers to improve on their weaker areas.
5. Integration of Technology
Technology is a vital aid in the education sector. Teachers can use it to improve their teaching abilities and make their lessons engaging and more interactive.
- Digital Literacy
This part of the program shows teachers how to use various tools and media for teaching. This includes the use of online resources, educational tools, and interactive tools.
- Virtual Teaching
Knowing how to use a range of tools for virtual teaching is essential for modern teachers to know. This includes training teachers how to teach virtually and make the experience as rich as in-person physical teaching.
6. Cost
Teachers on a tight budget may want to stay within a certain cost amount. Comparing the costs of teacher training programs could become very important at this point. Teachers can also enquire if there is an opportunity to receive financial aid.
Teachers already employed in a preschool/school may gain free access to teacher training programs. The early childhood education solutions provider Kreedo helps partnering preschool/school teachers improve their teaching skills to deliver the curriculum more effectively.
Conclusion
Getting the opportunity to complete a teacher training program is highly beneficial. It allows teachers to gain more knowledge, skills, and techniques to improve themselves. This especially applies to new and inexperienced teachers.
Based on their requirements, teachers can use the following factors to choose the best teacher training program:
- Program Structure & Duration
- Recognition and Accreditation
- Curriculum Content
- Practical Theory & Support
- Integration of Technology
- Cost
Of course, apart from these factors, teachers should consider their preferences. They should ensure that the course aligns with their requirements and goals.
FAQs
Que) Why do teachers need to attend teacher training programs?
Ans) Education systems and curriculum changes require teachers to gather more information and knowledge, speak to experts, get new teaching methods that are effective, and get insight into new educational policies and teacher education and skill requirements.
