One challenge that school-based teacher development offers me is  the negative  attitudes of  the people that I serve when I am trying to use the knowledge and skills I gain in supporting them. It takes a lot to get their buy in or to effectively implement these skills. However, it provides me the opportunity to improve my task and to better assist those I serve even though of the challenge I might face but there are some with a positive attitude which makes it easier to work with them.

The best model of leadership for me is Servant-Leader type leadership. Your stakeholders etc may not be in sync with your practices but as an exemplar one must model change. 

Challenge - In Belize, the SBTD would definitely work but one of the things that might hinder its development is open mindedness. Some of the teachers would hesitate sharing their ideas with others, while some would hesitate even to ask. 

Opportunities - In Belize, the SBTD would prove successful too because our schools have fully trained teachers with Bachelors Degree and some of them love sharing their ideas.

One challenge that I was faced with in the sbtd are negative attitudes and the selfishness and lack of support from people in leadership roles. However, it has made me work twice as hard and I have become better equipped to deal with the pessimistic views and attitudes of others.

One opportunity presented by SBTD is team spirit as teachers in the same or neighboring schools study together. When studying together they can learn from one another and get knowledge for, in and of practice for the benefit of the learner. 

The challenge that may arise from lesson study would be low self-esteem of any teacher who may feel inadequate or incompetent on observing others teachers express their prowess in a given concept. 

One opportunity which SBTD development offers is the ongoing sharing of information and resources and being able to practise what was learnt. In this way, teachers will be able to improve learning for all students. One challenge will be getting the commitment and willingness of all teachers to meet regularly and share ideas.

Greatest challenge would be gathering teachers together in one place during school holidays for training as the teachers would expect fare refund, lunch and out of pocket allowance. One opportunity that i do not let pass is sharing newly acquired knowledge and skills and as such I normally organise with school principals and i visit the schools when term is on. In my department there is 'outreach program' and i take advantage of this program to invite one or two other collegues to accompany me and this is on voluntary basis. 

One challenge that comes to mind is the deviation from current thinking and practice, as some teachers become comfortable/used to a certain way or method, whereas, one opportunity is exposure to new thinking and methods, as new, more effective strategies can be shared or revealed during the development programs/sessions.

School Based Teacher Development is an important factor in the professional development of teachers since the quality of teachers would ultimately influence the quality of the learners experiences and achievements in a positive way.

One challenge is the unwillingness sometimes by members of staff who seem comfortable with the pedagogical knowledge that they already possess, to participate in these programmes. Change in attitude is therefore required.

One opportunity is the quick sharing of information and strategies. it makes absolutely no sense to gain knowledge if not for the purpose of sharing it with administrators, staff and even students where necessary. True power is gained by sharing knowledge, not hoarding it, so I urge all to maximise on this opportunity.

One challenge that SBTD offers would be the ability for all individuals on a staff to adapt and become more resourceful members to each other. On the other hand, it would be a great opportunity to liaise with those around you to be able to determine which means would lead to more student centered approaches and a positive in class experience for all students.  

The one challenge I would find in my context is availability of both human and  training material resources. We may require to outsource persons from time time. The opportunity is that, with regular and consultative planning of school-based teacher development involving the teachers, there will be notable improvement in teacher classroom performance.,  

One opportunity that SBTD offers me is the confidence to effectively deliver the curriculum to my students. Engaging in these developments would allow to me learn new tools that I otherwise may not have thought of

One challenge I can see from SBTD is the unwillingness of teachers. Some teachers are stuck in their ways and routines. If they have a method that is simple and works for them they would not be so eager to adjust/change it.

School based teacher development provides opportunities for the sharing of information and best practices. Younger teachers and those new to the teaching service will have the chance to draw on and learn from more experienced staff members. These sessions however, should not be time constrained and rushed in order to meet a strict deadline. School based teacher development needs to take place over a time frame that ensures that teachers are given adequate time to comfortably integrate, practice, reflect and adapt strategies.

Opportunity

In Nigeria, each school has a designated school support officer (SSO) who works with the head teachers to plan regular teacher group meetings (TGMs).

Teachers use TGMs to work through resources which explain active teaching approaches such as effective questioning, pair work, group work, role-play, storytelling, and games, before planning activities to try in their own classroom. Having tried the activities with their class, they come back together and discuss how it went

The provision of resources to support teacher group meetings has enabled teachers to plan more engaging classroom activities. As a result of working in this way, teachers are collaborating more, and learners are actively participating in lessons. Also, teachers are learning more about their learners

Challenge

The resources are NOT available as Open Educational Resources (OER) because each school still works in silos.

One challenge with school-based teacher development that I have encountered is getting staff who are so very knowledgeable to participate more openly at Cluster Centre meetings. Everyone participates fully at the level of their individual Centres.

One opportunity that school-based teacher development offers in my context is shared experiences by all knowledgeable others for effective teaching and learning.  

This seems like a good idea, however, allocating time and resources to programs such as these is always a problem. Teachers would love getting less classes so that more time can be spent preparing for lessons, however the reality is the teacher would have to give up more personal time to accomplish this; something most teachers are simply unwilling to do.

There are 2 simple solutions to this, both of which will require additional resources:

1. Hire more teachers so that each teacher will have less of a work-load and be able to concentrate more on proper lesson planning.

2. Hire or promote experienced teachers to form a group specifically designated to creating excellent lesson plans and to keep updating these as technology and the syllabus advances. Use the plans created here to distribute to ALL teachers of ALL schools so that the same process can be followed. Such a process will also lead to better national inclusivity as all students nationwide at the same level would be following the same lesson and syllabus. 

One challenge that SBTD might present in your context

SBCPD takes place when external observers come to observe teachers, note the short comings and discuss with the head teacher and the affected teachers. Within the school, observed irregularities in teaching are collated subject by subject. Teachers teaching similar subjects meet to discuss the short comings and the teacher with better practice take others through some tutorials.

Sometimes, there is no continuity in the use of this system because the SSOs might have been disenfranchised due to transportation challenges. Some schools in the hard to reach areas are hardly visited by SSOs and so would not have the benefit of exposure to this system of school-based teacher professional development.

One opportunity that SBTD might present in your context

This teaching and learning approach enables the teachers to challenge their own way of thinking and create a culture of peer learning. However, as long as learners continue sitting and facing the chalk board with the teacher in front of the class, it will be impossible for the learners to talk to each other during discussions, as opposed to the practice of learners.

Challenge - Time is often a concern between the marking of work or family commitments, It may be difficult to bring teacher together to work on development.

Opportunity- Many of the veteran teachers in the school have wisdom that could be passed down to newer teachers if the SBTD is utilized 

Depending on the way the school-based teacher development is structured, one challenge may be that of intimidation by old and experienced teachers who are not ammenable to change. This may result in younger teachers withdrawing/not contributing.

If well sructured, it will bring about bonding, great team work and problem solving.

One of the challenges  faced is the willingness of some teachers to be open to change and see things from a different perspective.  In their practice they have grown accustom to the same approaches and hence the importance  of working together  to help eachother embrace changes that will in turn positively help our learners. 

An opportunity  that school based teacher development offers is for new teachers and experienced teachers to work together, share ideas,  knowledge,  strategies , learning experiences ,  use resources that will help in their practice and facilitate  quality education for learners whom they teach.  It enables us to learn  from each other  and reflect on our practice and make necessary changes where needed. School based teacher  development keeps us updated on current practices in the teaching and learning process. We are able to integrate what is new with what we already know and adjust our practice to ensure we provide  what is best as teachers for our learners and their development. In the opportunity  spoken of it can only happen when we cooperate with eachother and are open minded. 

One opportunity it provides is the coming together of ideas. Discussions can make topics clearer that were previously  misunderstood.

School based develop is a very effective system that aids teachers, however, one challenge would be during the time of this pandemic , teachers are unable to be encourage to participate in groups and have that face to face experience with other teachers. One opportunity is that more information is gained and as teachers help us to reflect on our own teaching to create a more learner centered one.

One challenge that I face from SBTD is knowing that I have different skills to share with teachers and some of them are not receptive to the information I share with them. Some of them blocks out their receptive consciousness and just want to rebut on everything I try to show them. However on the other hand, one opportunity it offers me is that I get to learn from each person's experience. it helps me to be more effective and it expands my knowledge in meeting every child's needs.

A challenge that I have encountered as a school administrator regarding school based teacher development would be the lack of open mindedness and the drive to better oneself by participating in these very helpful training opportunities we recommend or host with our teachers. They are experienced teachers and we value their work which we express often, but we wish to see them evolve and build on their knowledge. It seems they are comfortable with their level of pedagogical knowledge and practices they currently possess. 

We still continue to provide learning resources and training opportunities for them and will continue to find ways to convince them, hopefully they can all become more positive towards these opportunities to grow professionally instead of seeing it as extra work. They would be able to learn newer strategies for the classroom with greater effectiveness and results. 

An opportunity would be the chance to develop individuals that are really plugged-in and want professional development. The challenge would be the individuals that don't want to actively participate in SBTD opportunities. Not everyone is a life-long learner. Has the school explained the "why" to the teachers, ensuring they understand the purpose of the program and how this initiative will benefit them?

One challenge of school-based teacher development is the perception of limited time is a major constraint for quality preparations.

One of the greatest challenges of school based teacher development in my context would be first and foremost teacher buy-in as a culture of professional development does not exist in my place of work.  However, assuming that it is mandatory then I would have to say the temporal environment would pose a challenge as we do have individual classrooms and students would be left unattended. So an after school teacher development programme may work better but teachers may not attend due to the lack of belief or buy-in. 

One opportunity that would exist is that of the ability to learn from each other. In Trinidad some teachers are given the opportunity to attend workshops to prepare students for the SEA placement examination. The rest of the school is not privy to this information so the requirements to be successful at this exam elude staff at lower levels. If all staff can benefit from such training then they can teach towards the objectives of this placement exam from early on. SBTD can benefit all as it would encourage sharing of best practices in a formal setting. 

The School-Based Teacher Development is a great initiative as it seeks to bring all teachers together in a collaborative manner where each one can help one.

This I see as an opportunity in that it brings all teachers with all their teaching styles into one forum. Consequently, this can be very beneficial in that the teacher that may be having difficulty in addressing the particular need of a student in the class may find a new way of reaching the child from another teacher's experience.  

The challenge in this is that some of the educators may not be ready to embrace change, also their own morals and values may act as a hindrance in the process of development.      

Hi,

One opportunity SBTD offers is the experience of the team members. It is useful for those members to share their knowledge and expertise with the members of staff especially since we have many new persons who would have joined the service within the last 3-5 yrs. The team can help those teachers to better function and assist them to help their students.

The challenge however faced by such a team is one in which many of the new teachers feel that having come into the system with a Degree that they know it all and that the older teachers who may not have  a degree is not good enough to teach them anything. It is a mindset that I have observed from several new teachers and as such they have a "know it all" attitude.

Regards,

Michelle Ramlal

SBTD offers new knowledge, new insight an opportunity to work with and learn from each other as educators.

One challenge that the school-based teacher development offers the attitudes towards something new. The opportunity the development would bring is to provide more support to the teacher in the classroom.

The school-based teacher development, one challenge would be the older educators not wanting to learn a different approach to teach the new generation of kids today, especially in this virtual age. Younger teachers may adapt quicker to these changes but the older ones are not so quick to dive into a new format and rather stick to what they know. It is frustrating for a young teacher to teach in an “old school” style that is not fitting to this new way of life. By bringing all teachers together to collaborate this may be able to change and in the end benefit both student and teacher.

One challenge that the school-based teacher development offers the attitudes towards something new. The opportunity the development would bring is to provide more support to the teacher in the classroom.

A lack willingness to participate, to share ideas and no form of collaboration can be a challenge for SBTD. Also others that try to harbour only on their own opinion and not be willing to give other points of view a chance.

SBTD is lacking with legislation by the ministry of education. The funding to this area is minimum. We have 2 to 3 officers for special education for more than 40 schools! The District Education officers have to be more proactive and objective-driven to improve the education system. Teachers get so busy with the daily demands that they desperately need the Knowledge IN Practice- they need guidance- a working team to develop a model that fits our country and our context!

I believe that one of the challenges would be the culture of team work. The formation of a group or team to address the issues is not a problem in my context. The challenges would be the time to seat together and discuss, next would be the openness of members to discuss meaningfully the issues and to actually plan to come up with a written document. One opportunity I can see is the consultation with colleagues, especially with those who have knowledge of content and skills, in order to discuss and come up with a plan to address the difficult topics and to find different activities/strategies to accomplish the goals.

Hi everyone!

One challenge especially during these times, would be the absence of being able to meet physically especially for the TGMs where we could actively engage with the resources and have more warming conversations. But the opportunity  is being able to build that "team work attitude" to make the new setting work by exploring virtual meeting platforms, where we can still meet and express our ideas.

One challenge is the negativity faced by those you are trying to assist. It takes a concerted effort to get persons engaged to work with you.

One opportunity is that the negativity does provide me the ability to better my skills, so that I may do better for the next encounter that I may deal with.

The challenge to SBTD in my context may possibly be in lack of resources to adequately engage in activities planned. As ECCE practitioners, however, we have been taught to be creative and make use of what we have, but it can still be challenging.

The opportunity that SBDT provides is the ongoing team work that I already experience within my context. The sharing of research, ideas and observations; the support from leadership and weekly planning. I especially like the idea of planning, trying out and reporting on results with an aim to constantly improve in learners' best interest.

School based teacher development is an important asset to an educator in professional development. The quality of teaching is reflected in the learners on a day to day basis. One challenge is the unwillingness occasionally by members of staff. They are comfortable with their teaching styles or methods so accepting change can be difficult at times. Change is required to create an inclusive environment. "Knowledge is power". Hoarding your knowledge will only make you a selfish person. A lecturer once told me to share your knowledge and experience, allows you to learn new ideas and strategies and gain valuable information.  

I agree with most ideas presented but hasten to add that recognition and support from higher authorities is very crucial. one teacher had quite a big experience and motivation in teaching using different teaching methods but fellow teachers wondered how far the teacher would go with the new approaches.

right now our country has launched a CPD framework which focuses more on SBTD and will form part of the promotion process. this will encourage more teachers to work

With school based teacher development, it is important that teachers not only be given the opportunity to share ideas but also that their suggestions be taken into serious consideration. Sometimes teachers may feel like their voice is not heard or that their views do not matter. Such instances can result in teachers being reluctant to collaborate or participate in teacher group meetings. It is also important that ‘more knowledgeable’ persons treat the teachers with dignity and be willing to be part of the learning experience, rather than to share information and insist that their perspectives supersedes all others.

Over the years I would have seen so many challenges in the field of teaching.  If I were to highlight one challenge that SBTD might present it would be the unwillingness of some colleagues to work together or to change their method of teaching, even when clearly it is not being effective.  After a certain amount of years teachers become so set in their ways or practice it is often quite a task to implement changes, albeit for the good of students.  An opportunity that SBTD would allow is for teachers to pool their knowledge and resources, working together, as each one teach one drawing from each other's strengths and helping to strengthen each others weaknesses.

1) One challenge would be there not being buy-in to the process by all members. Some may feel slighted if their idea or suggestion is not considered.

2) One opportunity is the generation of many possible ways to approach a topic/situation.

One challenge that school-based teacher development may offer at the ECCE level is at times it may be challenging to obtain, make certain resources or find creative ways within a short period of time to execute an activity. The opportunity is the ongoing communication and support among staff as a team to plan and meet the individual needs of each child.

One challenge may result depending on time workshop is conducted, for example after school hours, teachers may be involved in other tasks and during school hours the issue of lack of supervision for children while teachers are engaged may require a day off for children from school or the need for parents to assist. On the other hand this forum will provide teachers with the opportunity to experiment with 'new tools' in their own context allowing for onsite adaptation or reconfiguration while engaging in collaboration with fellow teachers.

One challenge that SBTD might present in my context is that if Teachers do not have Teacher Group Meetings (TGM) to help support each other and apply teamwork you can feel discouraged and unmotivated. If you share your new skills with other Teachers they may be negative but the positive Teachers will encourage and support you and they are easier to work with. Therefore, one opportunity is that, it helps everyone to stay positive and keep encouraging and supporting each other. 

There also needs to be communication among Staff Members where they share their thoughts and ideas with other Teachers, since they may be struggling with their classes and need someone to share it with by sitting with  more experienced Teachers and seeking help in order to resolve the issue. There are some Teachers who operate selfishly and  just come to work and go home everyday without sharing their experiences, thoughts and ideas with other Teachers. There needs to be regular Staff Meetings for Staff members to express their concerns, since that's the only way we will learn and grow.

One opportunity that SBTD offers is that there is a multiplier effect as most teachers gain new insights into the profession and one challenge is that other teachers tend to down upon the one conducting the SBTD even though the same teacher can be a facilitator at another school.

One opportunity that school-based teacher development offers is that we have teachers on staff who are very knowledgeable/skilled in various areas. They are able to plan and lead these SBTD's.

One challenge is that sometimes the time to have these SBTD's are limited. We are allowed one day per term through Education approval. Therefore, the other alternative is using parts of our staff meeting to have shorter SBTD's. 

One opportunity in SBTD is the provision for teachers to share best practices - strategies that would have worked and enhanced the teaching-learning process. In this case, teachers learn from each other. One possible challenge can be teachers' inflexibility and unwillingness to share and to adjust their practice

School based teacher development is an important asset to an educator in professional development. The quality of teaching is reflected in the learners. One challenge is the unwillingness from staff members. They are comfortable with their style or method in executing the activity. Therefore, change is required for an inclusive environment. One opportunity is "knowledge is power."  Sharing of knowledge and experiences in a school based teacher development will help to understand colleagues and children. I was once told when knowledge is shared its is also gained.

One challenge that can arise from school based teacher development in my context is that teachers may not be desirous about cooperating or  accepting the training .

  An opportunity that school based teacher development can lead to in my context  is that teachers receive information that will help in their teaching methods and in turn help students. 

One challenge would be the scheduling for the TGMs as Primary School Educators are not given planning time with in the school day.

One opportunity: Once teachers understand the process and feel supported they would be more more willing to collaborate and give feedback thus improving both their own and their learners overall development.

One challenge that SBTD may present is the feeling of inadequacy that may be expressed  by the teachers involved. But once they are made to understand the philosophy behind such an innovation, it will encourage collaboration between teachers and hence better and inclusive teaching.

One challenge that school-based teacher development offers is getting teachers/administrators on board with them because sometimes they see it as being unnecessary or a waste of their time.

One opportunity that school- based teacher development offers is that teachers learn to collaborate with each other and ask for help when needed.

The SBDT:

One challenge is the lack of willingness of colleagues to participate fully in the process, although the guidance is provided. many teachers believe this is adding to their already full workload.

An opportunity arising out of this to work with the team on time-management strategies which will assist them in the planning and implementation of their daily tasks. This will allow them to see the possibilities instead of the challenges.  It will provide them with options.

One challenge would be teachers that are being difficult to work with because they rather to not be part of a team and work on their own because of beliefs they may have about education or in their own methods. 

One opportunity would be more effective delivery of the curriculum which benefits who it truly targets - our learners.

I totally agree that teachers need to be motivated by the ones who are in Authority.They must understand that teachers have the hands on experience and is willing to share and makes a difference in the ones they are in charge of.

Teachers need to be praise also to heir self esteem and motivate them in bringing their best foot forward Teachers can be competitive at time , but one should bear in mind its all for the benefits of the children.

One challenge that SBTD might present in my context is the teachers being reluctant to accept change and are familiar with one teaching style, same resources, not incorporating technology and so on.

One opportunity is that now with virtual teaching; teachers collaborated with each other, attended workshops and embraced this change well. All new beginnings are difficult but teachers adapted well almost into a year of virtual teaching.

One opportunity is collaboration. The freedom to share ideas and engage in reflection. 

One challenge that can be faced is the unwillingness of some teachers to give their best. Some teachers can become so comfortable and complacent that even when they see or believe that new ideas or strategies can make a difference they tend to leave it up to others. 

A challenge that SBTD posses is negative attitudes towards learning and inadequate or lack of support from administrators and management. 

One challenge with teacher educators is finding adequate time to meet and plan together for more inclusive teaching and learning otherwise a great opportunity is the ability of teacher educators to hold virtual meetings and to collaborate in their professional development with colleagues from other institutions 

SBTD is something crucial in my context where there is less follow up after training sessions. however, the headteachers who must lead the SBTD also have class; headteachers always underline the lack of time to hold this activity.

One challenge is the Time designated for Teacher Development. Not all members of staff would be willing to stay on after school to participate in the program. 

One opportunity for me is Collaborating with staff to better understand students and their learning abilities, to plan activities and to resolve and issues which may arise.