The "Acceptable Level"

Lately, I have been thinking about professional growth within our school and how we can establish a culture of continuous learning.  I recently finished up Mindset by Carol Dweck and am currently reading Effective Supervision by Robert Marzano for our evaluation committee work.   Both books focus on growth and continuous improvement.  

Fixed Mindset teachers think of themselves as finished products." -Carol Dweck 

Robert Marzano talks about the "10-year rule" - It takes about 10 years to become an expert in any field.  We have many educators in our schools that are experts, but what about the other educators that feel they have reached an acceptable level of performance?  These educators stop growing and view themselves as finished products.  I believe this where we need to have laser focused professional development and systems in place that encourage and at times force teachers, and administrators to grow professionally.  

"Most amateurs and employees spend a very small amount of time on deliberate practice efforts to improve their performance once it has reached an acceptable level." -Ericsson and Charness 

What is an acceptable level?  Why do we even set ourselves up for this kind of thinking?  If I ever get to a point where I am comfortable and am able to accept my current level of expertise then I need to get out of this profession.  Daniel Pink talks about how mastery is painful, and we need a combination of purpose and passion to drive us.  Don't be satisfied with your current level of expertise, continue to learn and improve yourself! I have found that reading and blogging is one of the best ways to improve and expand your knowledge.  

When was the last time you read a book on improving some aspect of your professional work?

Have you fulfilled your aspirations of continuing your education?