The need for professional development of educators: A key to improving the culture of teaching and learning

Abstract

Professional development of educators is important in advancing educational practices. The resultant collaboration between the district and school (i.e. principals and educators) serve as a foundation for skills acquisition, assessment and learner’s performance. Grounded in motivation theory and various models advocating professional development, this article proposes strategies on how educators can enhance their teaching methods for learners’ academic performance, since the barriers to learning are enormous(e.g scarcity of resources, poverty, overcrowding). The findings of this paper reveal that professional development can contribute towards assessment, identification and counselling of learners based on collaboration between the district and educators, including the principals.