What do you do if feedback reveals areas for professional growth and development in education?

Gracefully accepting feedback and considering it in a positive manner, is the foundation for growth and development. Yes, it may be difficult when you have put your heart and soul into a project or lecture series. It may seem unfair that the focus is on just a very minor part of of what you have created. Just remember, there is nothing to be learned in areas that you are already perfect, but there is something to be learned in areas where you may be a little less than perfect :).

Educators by nature should be life-long learners and this includes being open to feedback which can help develop the craft. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Whether you have been in the education field for 30 plus years, or just starting out, it is important to remember that if feedback is sound and brought to you in a spirit of kindness that listening humbly and taking it in the way it is intended is advised. Providing feedback to others can sometimes actually be harder than receiving feedback, so keep in mind that both parties in the feedback loop are active participants.

Assess if the Feedback warrants whole staff Professional Development, then communicate to staff and arrange for On Site PD for all staff. If it only pertains to you then prepare a Step List of what you will do if you feel you need to change / improve. Sometimes if you sense the unprofessionalism of the feedback- just ignore and refocus in their presence.

The essence of a growth mindset is to be ready and improve your professional self as you grow in the organisation. Being in education sector, one learns everyday from all the situations, stakeholders especially with learners. Introspection on the given feedback gives you an opportunity to reflect and change if the need be. Choose wisely with their perspective and grow.

I think it is essential to reflect deeply and that all feedback provided should be considered. Placing students at the center of all that we do as educators should be our number one priority and that is a great test of the feedback validity if the feedback centers around students and/or student learning...

SMART goals are a great way to formulate measurable and obtainable goals and objectives. In my experience, classroom management is usually something that all teachers will need feedback on from time to time. Classroom management techniques continue to evolve with new groups of students coming to school each year. Using SMART goals to document and measure the progress of classroom management techniques is just one great way to set objectives!

With the plethora of resources available, pick one that matters you the most and learn. For instance, using generative AI has become a challenge for most of the educators. Creating a digital resource library with relevant references and fact check will help an institution in keeping the employees engaged and will also help them in avoiding using controversial content or unverified content.

Approach feedback as empowering by…Embracing feedback as an opportunity for growth in education. Reflecting on the feedback with an open mind, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement. Developing a proactive plan by setting clear goals and actionable steps. Seeking mentorship or professional development opportunities to enhance skills. And don’t forget to continuously monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed. Embracing feedback as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, empowers yourself to become a more effective educator.

Feedback is always the way for us to look at the professional and personal mirrors we often avoid or take for granted. It is vital for every individual to have his/her bullshit identification metre up and running,to identify constructive and destructive feedback. My experience is that relentless,often meaningless praise is toxic and is a sure recipe for inflated egos and reluctance to accept well meaning, constructive criticism. Feedback,which can be instant, medium term and long term be internalised and reflected upon. The presence of a good mentor is of enormous help. Mature superiors are perhaps your best guide to professional development.