An Inquiry into Continuing Professional Development of Teachers of a Public Secondary School in Kawit, Cavite: A Basis for Planning and Conducting Future CPD Activities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The K-12 program changed the landscape of Philippine education and its implementation requires teachers to improve. One way is by engaging in continuing professional development (CPD) activities. Participation in CPD is important to retain a high-quality teacher workforce with professional skills and abilities. This study assesses the continuing professional development needs of teachers which can serve as a basis for planning and preparing future CPD activities for teachers.

METHODS

Quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this study. The respondents were teachers of a public secondary school in Kawit, Cavite. A set of questionnaires were sent to all fifty-six (56) teaching personnel, asking them a range of questions about CPD activities they have participated in for the past 18 months. From these respondents, ten (10) teachers were selected as part of a focus group. Interviews were carried out for each participant from the focus group. A set of questions were asked to each participant, recorded and later open coded.

RESULTS

Results showed that female teachers spend more time participating in CPD compared to male teachers. Younger teachers participate more compared to their older colleagues. The top CPD activities that teachers participated were Department of Education-sponsored trainings and seminars. Most teachers attend CPD for professional growth and development. Financial difficulties hinder most teachers to participate in CPD. The top area of teacher development that teachers would like to engage to in the future is Content and Performance Standards.

DISCUSSIONS

One of the important findings of this study was that teachers would want to engage in more CPD activities but some of them did not recognize the importance and usefulness of it. The implications of this study to educational leadership is anchored in the belief that teachers are the heart and soul of education. The achievement and promotion of learners are not the only ones that should be put as a top priority but also the development of teachers professionally and personally. The need for CPD, not just for the sake of earning CPD points for license renewal, is something that school administrators and authorities must take with utmost consideration. Understanding teachers' needs and views regarding CPD may be helpful to facilitate and improve the CPD processes for teachers.