General topics and the definition of “staff development”, its purposes, goals, and means of fulfillment, were discussed at the first meeting of the TCC Committee on staff development, last week.
Dr. Carl Nelson, president of TCC, opened the discussion by stating that he did not believe in meetings for the sake of meetings. He did feel that staff development was a worthwhile project. “We ought to have some means of improving ourselves, in order that we might do a better job—and staff development can do just that—once we determine what the needs are, what the desires are, and what the budget will be,” said Dr. Nelson. He also said that the staff members can look at staff development on three fronts: growth as a human being or individual; growth as a teacher; and better knowledge of subject matter.
Dean Levi Hall said that Don Bass of the College of the Mainland is heading a federal program which was allocated $500,000 to investigate staff development, and may be a source of information for the TCC program.
Staff development is a planned program for administrators, faculty, secretaries, clerks, and security and maintenance personnel which facilitates personal growth and improved occupational competency.
Gilbert Smith, chairman of the Staff Development Committee, appointed a sub-committee to discuss topics of Phase One for the next meeting. Ronald Bright, Pat Sarsby and Frances Watson were appointed.