The development of a modern education system depends on the ongoing professional development of educators. Committed teachers, school psychologists, pedagogues and school directors all demonstrate life-long learning by embracing on-going professional development as a commitment to continuous improvement of the teaching-learning process. Ministries of Education and Faculties of Education throughout the world support this process by creating systems and programs that address the needs of educators who work directly with children and youth.
Educational jurisdictions in Southeastern Europe have, with support from international donors and others, made great strides in modernizing their systems of education and their programs of educator professional development. This international conference offers an opportunity for educational leaders, policy makers, teacher educators, academics, teachers and school directors to join together and share best practices related to Professional Development in Education. The Conference is organized by the Educator Development Program (EDP). EDP is comprised of the Kosovo Educator Development Project (KEDP), the Montenegro Educator Development Project (MEDP), and the Serbia Educator Development Project (SEDP), and is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Where
The conference will be held in Montenegro, April 10 -12, 2006.
Who should attend
Practitioners with knowledge of, or an interest in, professional development are invited to attend. The conference will be of particular importance to:
- Ministry officials responsible for policy development and/or designing, managing and/or evaluating national programs of professional development for educators
- Professors or students in Faculties of Education, who are engaged in on-going professional development of teachers or other education professionals (in-service)
- Professional development coordinators or advisors
- Teacher trainers
- Practicing teachers, educational psychologists, pedagogues and school directors who have responsibility for promoting professional development in their schools
- Professionals in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in professional development
- International donors and implementers engaged in the education sector
Conference Focus
The conference focuses on Professional Development in Education, which has been divided into three integrated themes:
- 1. Managing Systems of Professional Development
Best practices in policy and systems improvement for enhanced professional development
- 2. Developing Leaders in Education
Best practices in professional development for aspiring and practicing educational leaders in Ministries of Education or schools (directors)
- 3. Improving Teaching and Learning through Professional Development
Best practices in professional development of teachers
Keynote addresses by distinguished experts will ground each theme, followed by presentations drawn from different educational systems. In addition, participants will have opportunities to network with international colleagues with similar interests, participate in interactive workshops, roundtables, panel discussions and attend poster sessions.
Conference Activity Formats
Conference Costs
The total cost of the Professional Development in Education Conference is Euro 200. This amount includes 3 nights’ accommodation, coffee breaks, transfers from the nearest airport to the conference venue, full participation in the conference and all conference materials. Not included is the cost of travel to the conference, excursions, and entertainment and personal expenses.
Support for Participants and Presenters
Conference Fellowships
Through the generous support of a number of international donors, most notable the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), a limited number of conference fellowships are available to support the participation of selected presenters and participants.
Both presenters and participants are encouraged to apply for conference fellowships, but only presenters will be eligible to apply for both a conference registration waiver and travel costs. Participants, however, are eligible to apply for either a conference registration waiver or travel costs.
Preference will be given to those who have received KEDP, MEDP or SEDP training, which they have successfully implemented in their professional practices OR education professionals who are recognized experts or practitioners in one of the sub-themes of the conference. A limited number of Conference Fellowships will be awarded to presenters and participants. (To be considered for a Conference Fellowship, complete Part 3 of the registration form in detail).
Deadlines
The following deadlines apply:
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