Professional Development Guide Introduction

6. Teachers prefer PD that is sustained over time.

Education is like most other industries in that we have our fads and cycles. Today’s buzzword can be tomorrow’s memory and the fatigue that builds up over time can make the prospect of upcoming PD days feel tortuous. Aligning your PD with your overall Mission and Vision is a first step in helping break this cycle of “latest, greatest thing!” because it requires an intentional analysis of long-term goals.
It’s also important to recognize that significant shifts in practice take substantial time and work. So while your teachers engaging in something like a project-based learning workshop can be a great start it’s not likely to make the impact you’re seeking without sustained follow-up. Teachers need to know that the work they are doing in any given PD will be relevant down the line and the cynical ones will opt-out until they feel comfortable that this will indeed be the case.

7. Teachers prefer PD that recognizes they are professionals with valuable insights.

This seems like it might be a statement from Captain Obvious but unfortunately, it needs to be said…and repeated. In my 15 years as a teacher, I had several administrators run PD/meetings where they made an attempt to recognize teacher voice by saying things like “the answers are in this room.” What they really meant was they were going to let the teachers talk until they said what the administration wanted to hear. Not only does this not honor teacher voice, it leaves a sour taste of condescension.
In my experience leading professional development, I have come across very few teachers who weren’t passionate about their craft and were elated when given the opportunity for professional dialogue. When we engage teachers in peer critique of their units and lessons in our workshops they light up with the joy of collaborating in meaningful ways. The administration doesn’t have to relinquish control to do this. In fact, just like in the classroom, that control is illusory and the real gold is in flattening the hierarchy and engaging alongside teachers asking beautiful questions to help guide the work toward your collective vision.