In the rapidly developing modern world, teachers must constantly strive for professional growth and self-improvement. Only in this way can they keep pace with society and the fast-changing education system. School teachers and university lecturers working with the younger generation are obliged to master modern teaching methods and effectively apply them in their professional activities.

Modern education provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge faster and more effectively. In the age of information and technology, teachers must not remain stagnant. On the contrary, they should continuously develop and improve themselves. This process can take various forms—both formal and informal. For example, participation in courses, seminars, professional development programs, collaboration between schools, experience exchange, training, and workshops are all important means of improving a teacher's professional level.

Additionally, forms such as mentoring, collaboration with colleagues, joint planning, observation of peers' practices, and study visits to other educational institutions also contribute to enhancing teachers' professional competencies.

Teaching Competencies

Before discussing teaching competencies, it is important to clarify the meaning of the term itself. Competency is a set of knowledge, skills, and personal qualities that enable an individual to effectively perform professional duties. In education, the concept of competency is widely used and includes the following areas:

1. Communication and interpersonal skills

2. Organization and planning

3. Classroom management

4. Ensuring student engagement and active participation

5. Mentoring and professional support

6. Collaboration and teamwork

7. Care and social inclusivity

8. Flexibility and adaptability to change

Competencies can be measured since they manifest in observable behavior and produce tangible results. Competency is not just possessing knowledge but also the ability to apply it effectively in real conditions.

 Areas of Professional Development for Teachers

Modern forms of professional development for teachers include:

Informal and professional communication for experience exchange

Courses and seminars teaching new instructional methods

Reading professional literature, individual and collaborative research

Observation and mentoring by colleagues

Participation in formal professional development programs and study visits to other institutions

All these activities not only raise the professional level of teachers but also help apply modern teaching methods according to students’ levels.

Competencies of the 21st-Century Teacher

A 21st-century teacher must be able to use information technologies in the educational process and understand how these technologies can support student learning. In modern conditions, the main competencies of a teacher include:

1. Effective classroom management through regular assessment, positive behavior support, and productive communication

2. Participation in shaping school educational policies and implementing improvement projects

3. Creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment for diverse groups of students

4. Deep knowledge of the curriculum and awareness of new developments in their professional field

Modern opportunities for teacher professional development are extensive and accessible. Every teacher should strive for continuous professional growth, as personal and professional development is one of the most important components of quality education. Contemporary society demands that teachers be flexible, creative, technologically literate, and ready for constant change. Therefore, the use of all available forms and methods of learning should become an integral part of every teacher’s professional activity.