Differences that Make a Difference: Adapting a Professional Development Program for the Post-COVID-New-Normal

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonses.692

Keywords:

Professional development, Online professional development, Extended professional development, Summer professional development, Voluntary professional development, National Writing Project

Abstract

The unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges including a need for new curricula, pedagogy, and more accessible forms of professional development (PD). A gap in research exists regarding professional development of educators. This qualitative study used data collected from two surveys, a focus group, and a geographical distribution map. The analysis focuses on identifying factors that influence in-service educators when choosing and participating in an extended, elective PD that focuses on writing and its instruction over two years. Analysis of two online summer National Writing Project institutes revealed several motivators for participation including desires to improve pedagogical skills, online accessibility, and desire to participate in personal writing. Participants indicated a strong desire for the trainings be moved to a later date in the summer and to be offered online. These actionable requests were implemented in the second summer PD offering. Findings will be used to reframe professional development formats.

Author Biographies

Carol Revelle, Texas A&M University - Commerce

Carol Revelle is an assistant professor in the curriculum and instruction department of Texas A&M University - Commerce.

William Roby, Texas A&M University - Commerce

William Robyhttps://orcid.org/0009-0002-1437-265XTexas A&M University - Commerce2200 Campbell Street Commerce, TX 75428United StatesContact email: wroby@k12.com

Laura Slay, Texas A&M University - Commerce

Laura Slayhttps://orcid.org/0009-0003-5130-6018Texas A&M University - Commerce2200 Campbell Street Commerce, TX 75428United StatesContact email: laura.slay@tamuc.edu

Kamshia Childs, Texas A&M University - Commerce

Kamshia Childshttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-6350-9117Texas A&M University - Commerce2200 Campbell Street Commerce, TX 75428United StatesContact email: kamshia.childs@tamuc.edu

Juan Araujo, Texas Woman’s University

Juan Araujohttps://orcid.org/000-0003-2845-4488Texas Woman’s University304 Administration Drive Denton, TX 76204United StatesContact email: juan_araujo@twu.edu

References

Revelle, C., Roby, W., Slay, L., Childs, K., & Araujo, J. (2024). Differences that make a difference: Adapting a professional development program for the post-COVID-new-normal. International Journal on Social and Education Sciences (IJonSES), 6(4), 692-714. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonses.692

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Published

2024-09-25

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Section

Articles