Just as students thrive with diverse learning opportunities, teachers require a rich array of experiences to enhance their skills and efficacy. That’s the role of professional development—providing a catalyst for classroom improvement and educator success. But the challenge lies in discerning the right avenues for supporting teacher growth. Here are five questions school administrators should ask when selecting professional development offerings for their teachers.
Effective professional development must offer substantial value to your teachers and, by extension, your school and students. Choose options that provide teachers the space for building knowledge and skills that directly connect to their practice and broader school initiatives.
No one, including teachers, wants to sit in a lecture hall for multiple hours. Successful professional development is engaging.
Look for facilitators who incorporate small group activities, hands-on exercises, turnand-talk sessions for collaborative learning and personal storytelling. When teachers are engaged, they will get more out of the lesson.
A one-size-fits-all approach rarely suits professional development. Teachers bring diverse backgrounds and experiences that lend to various opportunities for growth. Ensure every teacher at your school has the tools they need to succeed by providing an array of professional development options. You can even allow teachers to vote on the topics offered.
For professional development to make a genuine difference, teachers should leave with practical strategies that apply to their daily practice. With busy schedules and limited time and resources, teachers don’t need more work. Professional development they can easily implement right away will have the biggest impact.
One-and-done professional development doesn’t stick. If possible, give your teachers ongoing learning opportunities. Establish measures of accountability, such as sustained conversations in professional learning communities or repeated follow-ups with course facilitators, to reinforce training over time.
Selecting professional development for your school is an important factor in supporting the success and growth of teachers. At FACTS, we’re committed to helping schools deliver effective and sustainable training to improve the classroom. Learn how FACTS professional development workshops engage teachers to provide the maximum positive impact.
Selena Nguyen is the FACTS Partnership Marketing Specialist.
Selena Nguyenselena.nguyen@nelnet.net