West Virginia State University

College of Professional Studies

Department of Education
Professional Development (PD) Reflection
Major Content Area:
Circle One:

Name:
Ashley King
PD Topic/Title:

General Science Education

PD Date:

Regional Workforce
Development Conference

November 16, 2012

FR SOPH JR SR
PD Units:

Please respond to the following prompts:

1. Summarize the key points you learned from this Professional Development experience.
There were three segments during the Regional Workforce Development Conference. These
were about the 2+2 programs between community colleges and state colleges, Professional
Schools and what they are looking for in graduate students, and preparing for the future with
Science Math Engineering and Technology (STEM) programs.
The 2+2 programs are a great option for students who are not ready for the transition to a
regular four year college. It allows the student to begin at a community college where they can
take classes that will allow them to earn regular college credit while they are working towards
an Associates degree. Once they are finished with their first two years of community college,
they can move on to the regular state college where they can earn their Bachelors degree in
two more years. Scholarships are promised for most incoming freshman and it makes the
transition from community college to state colleges stress-free.
Professional graduate colleges are looking for students who are driven, critical thinkers,
leaders, well-rounded, problem solvers and professional. Without these skills, students have a
hard time succeeding in the real world. Going to graduate school is a goal for all students to
make for themselves, especially educators.
Preparing for the future is always important for all professions, but for the science and math
fields, it is especially important. The STEM programs are going to be thriving in the very near
future and it is important for schools to provide programs to certify elementary and secondary
math and science teachers from other career fields to meet the impending needs of the lack of
science and math teachers. Having teachers from STEM fields will be great for these classes
because they know their content knowledge. They can attain an alternative teaching certificate
or a permit. The question is pedagogy vs. content knowledge? Which is more important?
2. Discuss how these key points connect to your content area.
I learned from this professional development that I will have competition from others
who actually work in the STEM programs. This is important to me because I need to prove that I
can be just as fluent in the content without working in these fields, and argue the fact that I
understand the pedagogy better than a STEM employee. I also think that it is very important for
me to influence the students to have some post-secondary schooling, and for me to have the
knowledge of the 2+2 program is great. This would be a great incentive and opportunity for
many students who are nervous or not quite ready for a state college.

3. Share how you might use this new information in your future classroom.
I would use this new information in my classroom by relaying the information. I would
tell my students about the 2+2 option that is available. I think that this is a great opportunity for
students to set a goal for. I also think that it is important to go ahead and reinforce the
importance of being a leader, driven, well-rounded, and professional. I think that it is important
for students to realize that a bad decision today could lead to a disappointment tomorrow.
Valuable information on the STEM program is also useful. Showing the students that after they
finish their career in a STEM field, they could become a teacher and teach what they have
learned on the job.