Professional Competence of Elementary Teachers in the North District of Division of Lipa Basis for Professional Development Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Facing the 21st century learning, educational technology, significant changes in the curriculum and the varying nature of diversity of learners do call for a challenge on the role of teachers. Then, innovations in terms of teacher development practices are deemed necessary to facilitate maximum growth of teachers, personally and professionally.

METHODS

The study used a researcher-made questionnaire as main data gathering instrument. It was divided into three parts, the first of which focused on the professional developmental practices of teachers as to teaching strategies employed, motivation techniques applied, evaluation process used, and participation in workshops/training and classroom observation. The second part is on the effects of professional developmental practices to the teachers' personal and professional growth. Finally, the third and last part was on the challenges to the pursuit of personal and professional growth encountered by the teachers.

RESULTS

This is the belief that teachers must be transformed into more efficient and more effective educators because the department always aims for quality and excellence. The output of this study, Innovative Practices towards Teachers' Personal and Professional Growth, outlines a program that honors differences among teachers, encourages positive change, and provides concrete support for improving personal qualities and professional competencies. Innovative Practices towards Teachers' Personal and Professional Growth Action Plan was proposed to scaffold teachers' growth in practice by involving them in identifying their personal and professional growth needs and by providing specific, useful feedback on their performance.

DISCUSSIONS

Teachers manifest commendable professional competence in terms of using teaching strategies, motivation techniques and evaluation process. Professional competence helps much in the teachers' pursuit of personal and professional growth. Comparison of the assessment of the school heads and of the teachers tends to arrive at some point of difference in some variables, but similar in others. Hectic work schedule in school and conflict with family responsibilities to attend to are the challenges teachers usually encounter in their pursuit of personal and professional growth. The proposed innovative practices which will aid teachers' pursuit of personal and professional growth represent the final output of the study.