🌱 Stages of Teacher Development

🌱 Stages of Teacher Development: My Reflection as a Future Educator

Every teacher was once a beginner. 

The key is to grow with purpose and heart. 💛
As a future educator, understanding the stages of teacher development helps me reflect on my growth so far—and where I want to go. In this post, I’ll explore some key theories about teacher development which are theory of Fuller's Model, Trotter's Stages of Development and the Ministry of Education Stages.

Theory 1: 📘 Fuller's Model of Teacher Development (1969)

Frances Fuller (1969) introduced a three-stage model of teacher development, which describes how teachers’ concerns change as they gain experience. This model helps us understand how teachers grow professionally—starting from self-doubt to a student-centered focus.

The stages are:

Self-Concern😓

At this stage, teachers are mainly worried about themselves—how they are being perceived, whether they are teaching “correctly,” and how to survive in the classroom.

Task-Concern🙇

Here, the teacher starts focusing on classroom management and instructional strategies. “How do I manage the class effectively?” becomes a key question.

Impact-Concern 😿

The final stage is when a teacher is confident and focused on student learning outcomes. The teacher wants to make a real difference in students’ lives.




To explore more about fuller theory, let's read about that in this slide ;
https://www.scribd.com/embeds/689930279/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-fFexxf7r1bzEfWu3HKwf






Theory 2: 🧠 Trotter’s Stages (1986)

Trotter (1986) proposed that teacher development happens in stages, and each stage builds on the previous one. These stages focus on how a teacher grows in confidence, competence, and professional responsibility.



Stage 1: Novice Level

💫 Novice – “Am I doing this right?”

At this stage, the teacher is just starting out and mostly focuses on survival—following instructions, lesson plans, and classroom routines. Confidence is low, and everything feels new and overwhelming.

❤ This takes me back to my first week of practicum—I was constantly checking my notes, doubting myself, and just hoping everything would go okay. I still remember the nerves I felt walking into the classroom alone for the first time as a real teacher. It was both exciting and terrifying!




Stage 2: Advanced Novice Level

💫 Advanced Novice – “I think I’m getting better at this.”

Now, the teacher begins to grow in confidence. They still need support, but they’re becoming more aware of what works in the classroom. They start to connect better with students and manage time more efficiently.

❤ In the second half of my practicum, I began to notice what teaching strategies really clicked with my pupils. It was so rewarding to see small changes make a big difference. One thing that really helped was when I introduced a reward board using an Among Us theme—it sparked excitement in the class and motivated them to participate more actively.

Stage 3 : Effiective Level

💫 Effective – “Let me try new strategies!”

The teacher has developed solid teaching skills and is confident in effectively managing the classroom and delivering lessons. By this stage, the teacher usually holds the necessary qualifications—such as a teaching certificate or degree—which meet professional standards and eligibility requirements. They're not just surviving anymore; they’re thriving and starting to refine their personal teaching style.



❤ This is the stage I hope to reach soon !

Stage 4 : Expert Level

💫 Expert – "This is my field!"

The Expert stage is where teachers truly shine. With years of experience and an exceptional command over their craft, they are deeply insightful and intuitive in their teaching. Experts are not only masters of classroom management and lesson delivery but are also leaders in the educational field, often mentoring others. They possess a wealth of knowledge that allows them to anticipate student needs and adjust their teaching in real-time without missing a beat. Teachers at this stage have a personalized, refined teaching style that can be almost effortless in its execution.

Stage 5 : Master Level

💫 Master – "I’m a leader in education!"

At the Master level, teachers have reached the pinnacle of their profession. They are not only highly skilled but also recognized as leaders in the field of education. Master teachers inspire and mentor others, contribute to educational policies, and lead innovative initiatives. They have a deep, transformative impact on their students, peers, and the broader educational community, shaping the future of teaching. Their expertise goes beyond the classroom, influencing educational practices on a larger scale.




Ministry of Education in Malaysia 💁

In Malaysia, teacher development is structured around various grades (and professional milestones that teachers progress through during their careers. The system emphasizes continuous professional development, performance-based assessments, and qualifications to ensure the quality of education.

Teacher's Grade

Teachers in Malaysia are categorized into different grades based on their experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. The grades are as follows:




Gred DG41: Entry-level teachers with a diploma or degree in education. They typically start their career as classroom teachers.


Gred DG44: After gaining some experience and attending training programs, teachers progress to this grade.


Gred DG48: This is a senior teaching grade, achieved after several years of experience and completing professional development courses.


Gred DG52 and above: These are higher grades for experienced and senior teachers, often requiring leadership roles, further qualifications, and participation in advanced training.
To explore more about the grades, readers can click the link below:-
https://www.sistemguruonline.my/2024/09/jadual-gaji-gred-d-sspa.html