Professional Development Certificate
Wisconsin teachers interested in enhancing their knowledge
and skills now have a new option: the Professional Development Certificate
program.
This program, developed initially through the WEA Professional
Development Academy, is designed for experienced teachers. It is anticipated
participants can use PDC courses to rejuvenate their careers; earn credits
toward relicensure, a master’s degree, or National Board certification;
and in some cases to obtain pay
raises.
The goal of the program is to offer alternatives for
professional development that are appreciably different than traditional
college degrees in content, format and expected outcomes.
Features of the PDC include:
- It is standards-based so that course work can apply to relicensure
or National Board certification.
- Content focuses on practical knowledge that can be readily applied
to the classroom.
- An advisor works closely with the educator throughout the process
to help ensure quality.
- Structure is based on uniform, statewide criteria and standards.
- Progress may be measured in both direct learning hours (time spent
with an instructor) and independent learning hours (time spent working
independently or in work teams on a project or activity approved by
an instructor).
- A learning plan is developed for each educator, with a set of clearly
articulated objectives.
- A broad range of experiences and independent study is encouraged.
The PDC program was developed by a group organized by
the WEA Professional
Development Academy. It included WEAC members and staff, Department
of Public Instruction staff, and University of Wisconsin officials.
The first institution to offer the certificate program
is the Institute for Learning Partnership at the University of Wisconsin-Green
Bay. Seven school districts in Northeast Wisconsin are participating in
the program. They are De Pere, Green Bay, Howard-Suamico, Manitowoc, Pulaski,
Sheboygan Falls, and Two Rivers. The first class is made up of 24 educators.
The UW-Green Bay PDC program typically requires 12 to
24 months, depending on the participant’s schedule for completing
program components.
The program offers generalist and specialist certifications.
“Although this program is in its infancy, it has
received enormous response,” said Debra Berndt, director of the WEA
Professional Development Academy. “We anticipate it will grow quickly.
As more and more teachers request it, programs will be developed in other
parts of the state.”
Berndt said the academy is in the process of developing
an advisory panel to review other such programs. The panel will consist
of representatives from universities, the DPI, technical colleges, and
various educational organizations.
“The focus of the panel is on ensuring high standards
and enough consistency so a PDC can be transferable,” she said.
The academy has developed standards for approving PDCs.
Once a PDC program is approved, the academy will market it to members.
Interested teachers should contact their district administration, the
Institute for Learning Partnership, or Berndt at 1-800-362-8034, ext.
294, or at berndtd@weac.org.
Posted September 28, 1999