Continuous Professional Development (CPD) of Teachers: The Way Forward

Abstract

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) refers to the ongoing process of providing teachers with learning opportunities to help them acquire new skills, expand their knowledge, and reflect on their professional experiences. The primary aim of CPD is to empower teachers as professionals. This paper explores the evolution of the concept of CPD from the pre-Independence era to the current framework outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The paper highlights the growing importance of CPD in the context of NEP 2020, which introduces new avenues for teacher development, particularly for primary school teachers. It discusses the fundamental principles of designing effective CPD programmes, the challenges involved, and the specific professional development needs of primary teachers. Continuous professional development plays a crucial role not only in enhancing student learning outcomes at the foundational stage but also in supporting teachers’ career advancement and job satisfaction. With the dedicated focus and recommendations on CPD in NEP 2020, teachers are expected to be better equipped to grow as competent professionals, ultimately contributing to improved student achievement.