POINT/COUNTERPOINT
8 Learning & Leading with Technology | June/July 2009
Yes
We should definitely use class
time for professional development. Technology is
changing and growing all the time, and it is our job
to prepare students for the world they will inherit.
One hour away from a class or even a day spent on
quality professional development is a worthwhile
use of time. After all, it is pointless to continue an
approach in the classroom if what you are doing is
not preparing your students for the future. And besides, a break away from class every now and then
is beneficial for all, especially if we go to year-round
school.
Professional development needs to reflect the
needs of both the teachers
and the students. Why are
we still discussing technology
professional development?
Isn’t the real conversation
about learning, teaching,
and the appropriate tools
to enhance this process?
Learning to point and click
is simple, and professional
Michelle Podulka
No
We are in the midst of an economic
and budget disaster that has left us with a short-
age of money to pay even for basic supplies or the
salaries of the teachers who still have their jobs.
We should be in crisis mode, and there should be a
total suspension of staff development programs for
the duration of this downturn.
As a by-product of the current situation, our
political and educational leaders have shown their
clear priorities in relation to education. They are
not protecting education as a high-priority con-
cern. Their rhetoric might pay lip service to the im-
portance of education—especially when candidates
are campaigning for votes—but when it comes to
putting their money and pri-
orities in line with that rheto-
ric once they’re in office, their
resolve pales.
I have been a staff development specialist in California
for 20 years, and I have witnessed the way most staff
development programs are
currently run: from the top
Ron Witort down. Administrators treat
