VI. Professional Development
Findings
Professional development is a key factor in moving an institution forward.
Those who work at NCSSM must be kept abreast of changing norms in education as
well as in ways that enhance work efficiency. Training opportunities not only
reward loyal and conscientious employees but they provide increased work
efficiency and productivity. A well-developed program for both faculty and
staff can promote a greater appreciation for each other as well as for the
mission of the school. Issues of diversity can be addressed in a positive
manner that promotes open discussion and appreciation for differences as well
as similarities and commitment to working together for a common goal.
As is true throughout state government, funds for professional development
are limited, especially when compared to spending in this area in the private
sector. Concern about fairness and diversity make this more imperative. This
has not appeared to be a priority in the past, but it is gaining in emphasis
now.
Faculty and staff orientation appears to be reasonably effective; however,
some departments seem to do a more comprehensive job than others. Diversity
training has been primarily voluntary in the past.
There is some feeling that avenues for promotional opportunities exist
within an employee's department, but in other areas these opportunities need
to be more clearly communicated.
Recommendations
- A more uniform, more comprehensive campus-wide program for employee
orientation needs to be developed with input from existing staff and faculty.
All employees should have a written professional development plan on file at
the beginning of each school year.
- Diversity training needs to be mandated and opportunities for interaction
with all staff and faculty need to be increased. There are a number of model
programs available across the country.
- Professional growth and skills enhancement need to be emphasized and
encouraged so upper mobility can be achieved as new opportunities arise on
campus. Challenges posed to teaching via distance learning technologies
require teaching strategies that may be very different from those required to
teach in traditional classrooms. Further, the diversity of students and
learning environments suggests approaches to teaching that may be
non-traditional. The teaching staff should be afforded opportunities for
staff development which take into account these new and different learning
environments and which will help them have the skills to be effective with
their students and to model best practices in the profession.
- The Information Fund needs to be expanded to encourage staff, faculty,
and students to develop and implement new ideas.
- There need to be more positive recognition programs for faculty and
staff, thus helping to improve morale and to encourage excellence and
innovation.