Conestoga College did a smart thing last week: they recruited from among the very talented people who already work and teach at the college, and had them turn their attention on follow staff and instructors for a week called E3: Employees for Excellence in Education.
I had the pleasure of attending a number of workshops related to writing curriculum, handling intercultural situations, and working more effectively with students whose first language is not English. For fun, we were also offered flower arranging (clearly just for fun) and chocolate dipping. But I digress.
It's easy for professionals to get wrapped up in our work, and forget about the value of ongoing learning and training. The Canadian Counselling Association, of which I am a member, requires that I complete so many "units" of continuing education in each 24-month span in order to maintain my certification. (My certification can be revoked if I am not a "current" counsellor, for the protection of potential clients.)
I try always to have a book related to career development on the go, and I try to attend any relevant conferences that come nearby. When someone recommends a resource to me, I try to write it down somewhere I'll run across it again. I certainly lose and forget more than I am able to track down, but I do make the effort.
At the risk of causing a stir, I feel like there's nothing more dangerous than a professional in any industry who rests on her/his laurels. Professional development should never stop, since the world is always changing and there's always something new to learn. Professional development is absolutely invaluable.
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