As school leaders prepare for Fall professional development for their teachers, it's essential they consider innovative approaches that truly resonate with educators. Traditional methods often fall short in addressing the evolving needs of teachers. This summer, let's explore ways to rethink PD, ensuring it is impactful, sustainable, and meaningful. Drawing from four insightful ASCD blogs and EL articles, we suggest four key strategies to enhance your professional development plans this upcoming school year.
1. Treat Teachers as Professionals
One of the biggest complaints teachers have about PD is that it is handed down to them without any consideration for what teachers actually need and want. “PD based on teacher perspectives sends the message: ‘You are professionals, and we listen when professionals speak,’” writes Elizabeth Dampf. Professional development should honor and recognize educators’ expertise and provide opportunities for deep, meaningful learning rather than overlooking the teachers' knowledge and experience. In "Putting the 'Professional' in PD," Dampf shares that when teachers feel trusted and valued, their professional development can truly become transformative.
2. Establish Meaningful Norms
Clear and thoughtfully designed norms are vital for the success of a professional learning session. In "Designing Meaningful Norms for Professional Learning," Megan Kortlandt and Samantha Keesling emphasize that anchoring norms in beliefs, making them dynamic and responsive, and embedding them authentically throughout the learning design can ground teams in productive actions aligned with what the group values. Establishing meaningful norms creates a supportive and collaborative environment, enhancing the overall impact of PD.
3. Allow Space for Constructive Disagreement and Resistance
Teachers are passionate about what they do, and they want to feel as though their core values and beliefs are heard and honored—not sidelined. Create a culture where teachers can openly discuss and challenge PD practices. "Making Space for Principled Resistance" by Rob Martinelle and Kaylene Stevens delves into the importance of encouraging educators to be “in charge of their own development and confident to act in service of their educational convictions." This approach fosters a sense of empowerment and integrity among educators, ensuring that PD is relevant and aligned with their core beliefs.
4. Sustain Instructional Coaching
A great coaching moment might be eye-opening, but how do we ensure it sticks? Maintaining the positive effects of instructional coaching is crucial for a school’s continuous improvement—and it requires intentionality and ongoing support. John Schembari's popular blog post, “5 Ways to Sustain Instructional Coaching Momentum,” offers practical strategies for keeping instructional coaching dynamic and impactful. By celebrating successes, providing consistent support, and cultivating a culture of collaboration, school leaders can guarantee that instructional coaching remains a vital part of teachers’ professional growth.
