It happens at the beginning of each fiscal year. I am asked, "What are your professional development goals for this year?" This question sends me to my professional develpoment plan for reflection and review. Do you have a plan? Is the idea of developing one seem overwhelming? Here are some thoughts as you work to develop your own professional development plan.
- Self-assessment According to InDeed.com, a self-assessment is an evaluation of your professional interests, knowledge, and skills. When you examine your skill sets, your strengthes and weaknesses, and your habits and desires you wll find it easier to indentify the gaps that need improvement to reach your goals.
- Goal Setting The gaps that were identified in your self-assessment can be goal identifiers. Research shows that people who have goals are more successful. Furthermore, if you take the time write down your goal(s) and share them with others, you begin holding yourself accountable.
- Action What are the strategies you will need to put to action to reach your goal? Consider different approaches that can include experiential learning, a mentor-mentee relationship, and education.
When you put your professional development plan together, consider 'action forward' strategies offered at Prevention First. Be sure to visit our website at www.prevention.org to look for classroom, virtual-classroom, online, and webinar training events. Additionally, you will find resources available for free/low cost as well as technical assistance specialists ready to assist you with various prevention strategies.
