How can you use action plans to develop as a teacher?

2 Why do you need an action plan?

An action plan can help you focus on your priorities and track your progress. It can also motivate you to take action and celebrate your achievements. By having an action plan, you can demonstrate your commitment to your professional development and show evidence of your learning and growth. An action plan can also help you communicate your goals and needs to others, such as your mentor, supervisor, or colleagues, and seek their feedback and support.

3 How do you create an action plan?

To create an action plan, you need to follow four steps: assess, plan, implement, and review. First, you need to assess your current situation and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You can use various tools, such as self-assessment questionnaires, observation checklists, or reflection journals, to gather data and insights. Second, you need to plan your goals and actions, and decide what resources and support you need. You can use a template or a format that suits you, such as a table, a chart, or a list. Third, you need to implement your action plan and carry out the activities you have planned. You can use a calendar or a reminder system to help you stay on track and manage your time. Fourth, you need to review your action plan and evaluate your progress and outcomes. You can use different methods, such as feedback forms, portfolios, or tests, to measure your results and identify what worked and what didn't.

4 How do you use a mentor to support your action plan?

A mentor is someone who can support your action plan by helping you clarify your goals and actions, providing feedback and suggestions, sharing their own experiences and insights, and providing examples and resources. Additionally, a mentor can encourage you to reflect on your practice and learn from your successes and failures, challenge you to stretch yourself and try new things while providing support and encouragement, and celebrate your achievements while acknowledging your efforts.

5 How do you review and update your action plan?

Your action plan should be a dynamic tool that you review and update regularly as you learn and grow. At least once a month, or more often if needed, check if your goals are still relevant and realistic, if your actions are still effective and appropriate, if your resources and support are still available and sufficient, if your deadlines are still feasible and reasonable, and if your progress and outcomes are satisfactory and meaningful. Additionally, update your action plan when you achieve a goal or complete an action, encounter a challenge or setback, discover a new opportunity or resource, receive new feedback or information, or develop a new interest or skill.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?