Staff and Professional Development

After reviewing chapter seventeen, I was so impressed about the ideas expressed by the authors concerning traditional avenues for professional development. The creation of guiding philosophy for professional development, for instance, is a laudable idea. It is crucial and should be created especially to benefit the young employees. It gives a sense of direction and prepares individuals for future development.

In addition, recognition of the mutuality of individual and organization needs is equally important. This avenue is what the Ghana Education Service uses to enhance the professional competencies of both faculty and staff in higher educational institutions. Most often than not, opportunities are given to young faculty, for example, to pursue some courses while working. This reading reminds me of what my District Director of Education said before I set off to Andrews University. He said, “Sylvester, there are so much frustrations in our profession and the only way to overcome such frustrations is to pursue additional courses. Therefore, I encourage you to go and study”. The new ideas and skills being acquired here will help me to contribute effectively when I go back.

All that I want to express is that staff and professional development is important and it helps both the individual and the organization to improve.