ENHANCING TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO EDUCATORS’ GROWTH

Abstract

Teacher professional development (professional development) is essential to improving the quality of education. in Nigeria, the teacher education system faces challenges such as outdated curriculum, lack of continuous professional growth opportunities, and insufficient support for educators in their practice. This paper argues for a comprehensive and holistic approach to teacher professional development, which incorporates personalized learning, mentorship, peer collaboration, technology integration, and ongoing feedback. the need for an integrated model of professional development that recognizes teachers’ diverse needs, addresses systemic challenges, and ensures sustained professional growth is critical in improving Nigeria’s education system. This paper explores existing challenges to effective professional development, outlines the components of a comprehensive model, and provides recommendations for improving teacher support and development in Nigeria. Ultimately, this approach is essential to building a sustainable and effective education system, ensuring that Nigerian teachers are equipped to meet contemporary educational demands.