PILOTING, POLISHING & PERFECTING: Creating and Implementing a Technology Staff Development Model.

Sanders, B., Brown, C., & Zellner, L. (2002). PILOTING, POLISHING & PERFECTING: Creating and Implementing a Technology Staff Development Model. T H E Journal, 30(2), 41


This article recalls the evolution of a technology staff development plan in a Texas school and the large role grant money played in making this model possible.  Particular attention is paid to the stages of development in this plan and the milestones required of participating teachers.  These included training at a district, building and personal level, as well as recording progress and creating artifacts.   

I was particularly interested in the timeframe noted in this article.  The intent of this model was to create a basic foundation that would be built upon, developed and refreshed over a number of years.  Creating modes of development allowed teachers to achieve milestones that allowed them to be successful as they moved through the training.

As teachers, we are very aware of the time it takes to teach our students.  We don't expect them to learn something overnight.  Learning takes time.  So why don't we apply this to our own learning?  Too often we develop new programs, hand out devices or initiate new applications without proper training or time to develop our skills.  Again, learning takes time...even for teachers.