# What are some ways that you help yourself grow as a professional?

[Kristen Poindexter](/content/users/kristen-poindexter/index.html)  
posted  
February 17, 2024

I like to visit colleagues classrooms and learn from them as they teach. This happens across our district where teachers visit other schools to watch and learn.

I also attend conferences when I am able. Locally, if I volunteer in some way to help with the conference, I am usually able to get free or reduced registration, which is always a bonus!

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I also join professional organizations related to my field so that I can connect with more colleagues who are located further away.

Many times these organizations have journals that they publish so I read professionally that way to help me keep learning.

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[Noraa Ransey, NBCT](/content/users/noraa-ransey-nbct/index.html)  
replied  
February 20, 2024

I am in year twenty and challenge myself to grow the profession by being a mentor. I went through the National Board Certification process and am certified in the area of literacy. I save my yes for things I am passionate about and give 110% as I learn and grow with my mentees.

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[Brandie Loomis Ed.S](/content/users/brandie-loomis-ed-s/index.html)  
replied  
February 20, 2024

Join organizations that have professional material available. For example, NCTM offers a subscription to a journal for every year you are a member. ASCD is another one of my favorites that have a lot of professional supports.

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[Dawn Bates, NBCT](/content/users/dawn-bates-nbct/index.html)  
replied  
February 25, 2024

I always try to accept the invitation to host a student teacher. I am always learning from new teachers as I mentor them. I also try to attend as many professional developments as I can so that I can stay current. For example my school district has programs called Canva and Book Creator. These are both new and my students like them.

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[Ashley Thomas](/content/users/ashley-thomas/index.html)  
replied  
February 27, 2024

I read a lot of professional books—I love a good book study with colleagues at our own pace! I also try to find online classes that I can do at my own pace! And if it’s free—that’s even better!

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[Brian Lassiter](/content/users/brian-lassiter/index.html)  
replied  
February 27, 2024

Building a network of individuals that can share ideas with you. I also encourage other teachers to come in and observe to help me fine tune lessons. Reading books and attending professional development also helps. I try to lead professional development so I can study more on topics.