| Abstract: | The quality of instruction provided through the post‐secondary technical institutes reflects the capabilities of the instructors. It would be ideal ifinstructors were trained through traditional teacher education programs. However, instructors inpost‐secon‐dary technical education generally have few collegiate programs in teacher preparation available to them. The Georgia Instructor Academy is responsible for delivering in‐service training to both new and experienced instructors. The academy is divided into three specific divisions: the Technical Training Division, the Instructor Training Institute (ITI), and the Professional Development Division. Technical Training provides instructors with opportunities to advance their occupational expertise. Training is delivered through classes, workshops, seminars, and industry‐based practicums and internships. The ITI delivers pedagogical development. It provides new instructors with the basic pedagogical skills needed to become effective teachers. The ITI is broken into three hierarchical phases. Professional Development provides experienced instructors with activities that enhance their professional lives. Classes, seminars, and workshops offer instructors opportunities to serve themselves, their home institutes, and professional organizations. Educationally, the Georgia Instructor Academy provides various opportunities to develop and enhance the quality of Georgia's postsecondary technical teachers. By addressing these three important areas of teacher education this comprehensive program will benefit both students and, ultimately, the State of Georgia. |
