Step 2

Next, take the next worksheet entitled "Professional Development Planning - Step #2," and write the categories you are using in the shaded areas along the left side of the chart. Once this is done, look at the goals you have set in Step #1, prioritize each category's list, and transfer them to the Goals column in order of importance. (If you have any technical interpreting skills improvement listed, it is strongly suggested that the first thing you do is have some sort of skills assessment completed first.

Once you have your goals prioritized, move on to the "Timelines" column. Begin setting timelines for completing these goals. When considering your timelines, there are a few points worth mentioning:

• some timelines may be given to you - like requirements of QA laws
• make sure you set a realistic timeline, given personal and professional commitments! Having a school calendar and your personal calendar handy should help with this.
• if the goal seems huge, e.g. certification, break it down into smaller parts. For example, you may take this year to study for the RID written test, planning to take it in December.

Next, list some strategies and resources for helping you complete each goal.

• Here, write places that you may contact for financial support, if that is a concern. For example, several RID affiliate chapters have scholarships available for their members that will cover the cost of taking the RID tests in part, or in their entirety
• If childcare is a concern or juggling personal time, think about some strategies and jot those down here.
• Jot down resource people in your school district, in your state RID chapters, or national organizations who could support your goals.