Professional Development of Teachers Under the Conditions Lifelong Learning: Foreign Experience

Abstract The article analyzes foreign experience in continuing professional development of teachers. It has been found that the system of continuing professional development of teachers in foreign countries has its own conceptual peculiarities determined by relevant contextual factors. It has been specified that all systems are characterized by personality-oriented approach to professional development of teachers, available organizational and pedagogical conditions for development, flexibility, diversity of forms and training content. Such an approach can enhance professionalism of teachers, their ability to provide students with high-quality and effective teaching in accordance with the needs of a market economy. It has been outlined that professional development of teachers is the most effective at the level of an educational institution in the course of daily teaching activities, provided the forms of this process organization are diverse. The key factor, which influences effectiveness of continuing professional development is the teacher’s ability to reflect, motivation, responsibility and academic mobility within professional development. It has been clarified that a number of countries apply national mechanisms for recognizing the results of teachers’ professional development, their certification. We believe it necessary to creatively use foreign innovative experience to enhance continuing professional development of teachers in Ukraine, namely, to create a multi-level system of continuing professional development of vocational education teachers and introduce motivational mechanisms for stimulating their professional growth.