Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership, Standard 5

The fifth standard for the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators for Teachers states that the teacher will “Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.” It basically states that a teacher will endeavor to continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. According to this standard, the educator will participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. Educators will also exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others. The teacher will evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning. Finally, educators will contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.
My weakness in this particular area would be my lack of desire to stray from the tools I am comfortable using. I consider myself to be technology savvy, but I am hesitant to learn new things unless I am forced. And, very often I am forced; continuing education courses, required professional development courses, masters’ classes. I am quick to learn and then I take the necessary steps to incorporate the new and exciting into my classroom. My strength is that I am a quick learner. Once I have seen and walked through the process, I begin to feel comfortable. Thus the forced technological growing pains are replaced by confidence.