DESENVOLVIMENTO PROFISSIONAL DOCENTE NA UFSM: POLÍTICAS, PROGRAMAS E PRÁTICAS DE VALORIZAÇÃO

The present study seeks to analyze, from a theoretical and documentary approach, how institutional policies, programs, and continuing education practices contribute to the appreciation and professional development of faculty members at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM). Using a qualitative and documentary approach, the research examined federal legislation, institutional documents, webpages of the university’s pro-rectorates, as well as data from the Training Needs Assessment (LNC) and the People Development Plan (PDP), covering the period from 2014 to 2024. The results indicate that UFSM has a solid structure for faculty development, evidenced by the implementation of the Institutional Policy for Continuing Education, by specific actions tailored to different career stages, and by planning aligned with identified demands. Therefore, it is concluded that the institutional policy, although recent, represents a significant advancement for the university, fostering pedagogical innovation and continuous learning.