Take Notes and Ask Questions
During the training sessions, take notes as to the importance and relevance of the topic, therefore you should be prepared with a writing utensil and something to write on. Ask yourself, “When I go back to work, how can I use this information?” or “How can this benefit my classroom?” You may also be asked to evaluate the session and these notes you made will help you do a better job at that.

Arrive On-time and Don’t Leave Early
Conducting yourself in a professional manner may also mean arriving early or on-time for training sessions. Entering late or leaving early is not only rude to presenters but also very distracting for other participants and presenters. It is also important to remember that if given a break during a training session that a prompt return is important so that you don’t miss any part of the information being given or distract everyone as you enter late. Know that the WKU CCR&R Training Policy states that participants arriving more than 30 minutes later or leaving more than 30 minutes early will not earn training hours for that session.

Silence Cell Phones and Beepers
Another distraction during training sessions is if/when cell phones or beepers ring. Upon entering the training, please turn off or silence your cell phone or beeper. If there is an emergency that you must take care of, please do so outside of the training session. Text messaging during the session is also very rude and distracting, therefore cell phones should be placed in your personal belonging and not left out on the desks or tables.

Dress Comfortably
Often times training rooms can be too cool or too hot. Please remember this and plan ahead, dressing in layers or bringing an extra sweater is recommended so that you are prepared for various temperatures.

The rules listed above are one way that training participants can make the most of their professional development opportunities, however there are other ways that directors can also help ensure that their staff members are getting the most out of the training.

A few of these ways include, but are not limited to the following:

Allow staff members to choose their own training sessions (except the state mandated training sessions). When individuals have input into the decisions there is a “buy-in” that occurs, people will be more interested and willing to participate.

Use your professional development plans. By having individual professional development plans in place, choosing training can be easier and done more wisely. During on-going monitoring and observations of staff, directors or supervisors are aware of the individual needs and interests of staff. If these are included in the staff development plans, then choosing training can be easier.