Are you a computer science teacher like me who is looking for a new way to develop skills? Job-Embedded PD (JEPD) has the potential to revolutionize how computer science educators learn and grow! JEPD involves systematic, planned, intentional efforts to embed teacher learning within daily routines. Unlike traditional PD, which can be sporadic and disconnected from everyday teaching, JEPD is a continuous process that aligns with our work lives, making professional growth an integral part of our routine.
This sounds like a promotional ad, but it is true – effective learning is at the heart of JEPD. I’m reading about it in my latest grad class at UFL. JEPD ensures meaningful development by integrating learning into our daily CS teaching, allowing us to immediately apply new skills and knowledge. The continuous nature of JEPD promotes ongoing reflection, feedback, and support, fostering sustained growth and improvement. Learning happens in real-time, making it immediately relevant and applicable, which is crucial for staying updated in an ever changing field like computer science.
You might be asking how to make this happen in your district…. Implementing JEPD is a shared responsibility among administrators, teachers, and district leaders. Administrators facilitate and support job-embedded learning opportunities, teachers engage actively and collaboratively in professional development, and district leaders provide the necessary resources and create policies that promote JEPD.
To effectively implement JEPD in CS Education, it is important to plan systematically by developing a clear, intentional plan for PD that aligns with school and curriculum goals. Embedding PD into daily work involves integrating it into teachers’ schedules, making it a natural and consistent part of their routine. Some innovative ways that I’ve been exposed to include unconferences, peer observation, and voluntary piloting. But I’m excited to try some new approaches including Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), peer coaching and lab classrooms.
PLCs provide a platform for computer science teachers to collaborate regularly, sharing insights and strategies for effective teaching. Peer coaching allows educators to observe each other’s teaching methods and provide constructive feedback. Teacher inquiry involves educators investigating their own practices to drive improvement and innovation in their teaching. Lab classrooms enable teachers to observe strategies in action in a classroom setting – this is especially important for CS teachers who are new to the content!!
By embracing JEPD, we can transform PD in CSEd from an isolated event into a continuous, enriching experience. Let’s create a culture of lifelong learning and improvement, empowering each other to keep pace with the dynamic field of CS!