Bridge theory and practice for classroom teacher professional learning

Q: “How can we ensure effective training for the classroom workplace on professional learning days?”

Signed, A pre-service teaching professor

A: Professional learning (PL) days are invaluable opportunities to refine skills, explore innovations, and foster collaboration. Yet, without thoughtful planning, these sessions risk becoming passive lectures that fail to translate into improvements in the classroom or workplace. Unfortunately, this happens often. Sometimes, when school cultures haven’t required educators to take an active role, things become stagnant, and when the expectation shifts, there is additional pushback. There are ways to ensure that professional learning is practical, though, and as leaders, we must make it a priority to know what teachers need and how best to provide it for them. Here’s how to design PL to inspire lasting impact.