Continuous professional development is the ability of professionals to evolve and develop their knowledge and skills through self-reflection and a proactive engagement with the upskilling industry. It contains three components, namely, coaching, collaboration and assessment. The higher education sector offers numerous avenues or opportunities for continuous professional development of ESL teachers. However, educators need to identify and incorporate areas of critical importance where teachers require self-development and institutional backup. The present study outlines four focus domains crucial for the continuous professional development of ESL teachers. They are Expansion of cognitive knowledge, Reflective practices, Critical Thinking skills and Digital and Technological skills. Expansion of knowledge base of teachers can be achieved by subscribing to courses and certifications as well as by improving teacher cognition. Reflective practices referto introspective adaptations and self-corrections incorporated by teachers into their classroom process. Documentation, Collaboration, Teacher Toolbox or Artifacts of Practice can be used for reflective practices of ESL teachers. Critical thinking skills include Open mindedness, Identification of prejudices and biases, Research and analytical skills and Problem solving. Digital and technological skills include exploration of the internet, use of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom, use of presentational gadgets like projectors or smart board and facility with various digital learning platforms, software and apps. ESL teachers need to upgrade their knowledge and skills in these focus domains so that they can manage the challenges of the modern educational landscape more effectively.

Continuous professional development is the ability of professionals to evolve and develop their knowledge and skills through self-reflection and a proactive engagement with the upskilling industry.