Professional Development (PD) is the key to developing successful teachers. Professional development gives teachers the opportunities to learn, work and grow together. It is one of the most important practices that allow teachers to further develop their craft and expertise. The kind of professional development your district provides or you seek as a professional is critical in developing yourself to become an effective teacher.

 

Unfortunately, not all professional development is effective. This is often due to PD workshops being 6+ hours long and jammed-packed with so much information.  Teachers leave overwhelmed, confused and exhausted. I remember most PD days to be completely dreadful sitting in a large, cold lecture room surrounded by a large number of teachers. I would find some way to multitask, still listening to the lecturer, but making good use of my time by grading the many papers that needed attention, writing an endless to-do list, and outlining lesson plans. I would also find myself eating every snack in my bag before noon, counting the minutes to lunch. Sound familiar? This kind of PD is not effective.

Ineffective Professional Development:

• more than 3 hours

• lecture driven

• presented to large groups of teachers

• no time for questions, real answers, and all the what ifs

• minimal or no work time to create a product to apply in the classroom

• a “one day wonder,” which I call, “one and done” PD sessions

Effective Professional Development is:

• no more than 3 hours

• presented to small groups of teachers by grade level or grade levels (K-2 or 3-5)

• delivers meaningful content carefully selected based on teacher and/or student needs

• respectful of teachers’ time and expertise

• time for questions, real answers, and all the what ifs

• work time to collaborate with colleagues to create a product to apply in the classroom

• time to reflect, share and give feedback

• ongoing- 3 sessions or more

What Professional Development should look like:

Introduction of the topic where teachers get most of the information to get a good grasp of the content and time to collaborate and share thoughts and ideas around the content with colleagues. This session is important in hooking the teacher in, showcasing the value of professional development and how the content will be useful in developing the teacher and/or students. The wheels begin to turn.

Work time gives teachers the opportunity to apply what was learned and bring it into the classroom by creating a product, lessons, a unit of study, activities, etc.  The wheels are in motion.

Sharing and reflection sessions allow teachers to discuss what went well, and what needs to be revised, and plan what to do next.  The wheels are well greased and the engines are revved up.

This is the best time to gauge how teachers are feeling about the PD.

• Was the PD valuable and effective?

• How do the teachers feel about what they have implemented in their teaching practices and classroom?

• How has the PD affected student learning?

• Where do we go next? Do teachers need more time on this PD?

There is no limit to how many PD sessions there could or should be. This depends on the content and the needs of the teachers and the students.

Call to action!!!

Find your own PD to help yourself grow professionally.  Be your own voice or the voice for your colleagues and students too. Advise your admins in your school or district about PD topics that would most benefit your school, students, and yourself based on needs. Teachers must advocate for professional development that is effective.  One voice could make a world of difference in effectively growing teachers and students.

Check out this article, School Districts Update Professional Development. It’s about teachers taking charge of quality professional development to foster their learning and collaboration with others.

Know of any professional development that made a difference for you and your students? Here are some of my favorites:

Become a Google Educator: Sharpen up your tech skills and work at your own pace through course materials.

Get Your Teach On Or Teach Your Heart Out: Join other educators at these conferences that are engaging, inspiring, and just downright fun! You’ll be sure to feel encouraged, supported, and inspired and leave with so many takeaways to implement right into your classroom.

Read, Read, Read: Reading is a great way to keep up with the latest trends and practices in education. Read my post, 5 Inspiring Reads for Professional Growth to get some book recommendations.

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Keep Growing!!!

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