Professional development & mentoring AR Handbook – 51 Purpose of Professional Development – New Jersey Administrative Code Required professional development for certificated educators in New Jersey is governed by regulations adopted by the State Board of Education and found at NJAC 9C. The stated purpose of professional development in the code is “Educator development occurs along a continuum of rigorous pre-professional preparation, certification, and professional development to prepare educators.” Accordingly, ARs should use the following information to ensure that members are given the necessary opportunities and support to help them in their professional development appropriate to their needs at each point in their career. This means that early career members will have different needs when compared to their more experienced colleagues. District and school professional development plans (required in the regulations) should reflect appropriate differentiation of professional learning experiences for all educators. Components of Professional Development The administrative code includes a clearly articulated description of what constitutes the appropriate components of professional development consistent with the state’s requirements. Some of these descriptors are consistent with the resolution adopted by the NJEA Delegate Assembly that identifies NJEA’s “Definition” of professional development (below): • Professional development shall align with the Professional Standards for Teachers and the Professional Standards for School Leaders in NJAC 6A:9-3, the standards for professional learning in NJAC 6A:9C-3.3, student learning and educator development needs, and school, district, and/or state improvement goals. • Professional development shall encompass a broad range of professional learning that contributes to improved practice, including, but not limited to: • Participation in the work of established collaborative teams of teachers, school leaders, and other administrative, instructional, and
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