“Professional education” redirects here. It is not to be confused with Career education.

Professional development is learning to earn or maintain professional credentials such as academic degrees to formal coursework, attending conferences, and informal learning opportunities situated in practice. It has been described as intensive and collaborative, ideally incorporating an evaluative stage.There are a variety of approaches to professional development, including consultation, coaching, communities of practice, lesson study, mentoring, reflective supervision and technical assistance

Effective teachers commit to furthering their own learning as well as their students’ learning. Practicing educators take part in regular professional development opportunities in order to be effective and engaged teachers. The College of Education fosters this career-long commitment to learning and professional development by requiring our undergraduate students seeking initial licensure to complete a series of Professional Growth Units, or PGUs.