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Why On the Job learning for Educators Is More Than Just “Time Served”

On-the-job learning for educators can be unpaid, unfocused and overall, underwhelming. Candidates can log hours in a school, and fall under the assumption that time automatically equals growth. Candidates can earn credits, donate their time and not see a clear connection to their field of employment. Or, candidates can spend the time learning new skills, earning a living wage, demonstrating their competencies, tracking progress and communicating with mentors and coaches.

Mentors play key roles in on the job learning for educators and support opportunities to demonstrate, reflect and grow their practice.
Mentors play key roles in on the job learning for educators and support opportunities to demonstrate, reflect and grow their practice.

Many programs are moving towards residency or apprenticeship models which often allow educators to earn while they learn and serve a full year or more with a mentor teacher. With clear validation—through competency rubrics, structured feedback, and reflection—on-the-job experiences move beyond perfunctory and inequitable, and help candidates grow into classroom ready educators. Two candidates can spend the same number of hours in classrooms and walk away with very different skill sets. Setting milestones, looking at cumulative experience, complementary coursework and competencies attained can give you exacting information about someone's strengths and capabilities.


That’s why validating experiences matters. It ensures that every candidate:

  • Gets meaningful practice tied to real competencies

  • Receives feedback that sharpens their teaching

  • Can show evidence of readiness for the classroom


On-the-job learning should be a living record of growth, not just a log of hours.

That’s what we’re working toward with EEPro—helping programs move beyond spreadsheets so that every placement, every competency, and every coaching conversation adds up to a complete picture of candidate development. Now, with our new placement features, we can tie these to the on the job placements that are a critical part of educator development.


Check out our first step in keeping track of candidate placements here:



Want to give feedback or learn more? Connect with Marlene here.

 
 
 
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