Plug and Play PD: Actionable Development for Educators
Published 3 December 2024
(In Ep #0 of the Professionall Pathways Podcast | Cal’s Journey into Teacher Education)
“So, professional development activities I’ve really enjoyed and found beneficial were the ones that were practical. If you can walk away from this training or this conference presentation with one specific tangible thing you can do in your next class period or one specific thing you can do as an educator in your institution. Like I’ve mentioned, teachers have so many different responsibilities thrown at them that having to do the mental work of figuring out what about that training can be applied in my classroom is too much to ask already for most teachers that are already overwhelmed. I think when designing PD, it should be based on things that are practical problems you’re experiencing or finding a practical solution. Seeing a more concrete example of how to implement a strategy or a tool can give inspiration to teachers.”
Professional development (PD) is a cornerstone of the teaching profession. It promises to equip educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate an ever-evolving landscape of educational challenges. However, many teachers find themselves frustrated by PD sessions that are overly abstract or theoretical, leaving them questioning how to apply what they’ve learned to their classrooms.
The History of Professional Development
Historically, professional development in education has swung between extremes: theoretical frameworks on one end and overly prescriptive practices on the other. During the 20th century, PD often focused on imparting broad pedagogical theories without connecting them to real-world classroom needs (Borko, 2004). While these sessions aimed to provide a foundation for reflective practice, they frequently left teachers struggling to translate concepts into actionable strategies.
In the 21st century, there has been a growing emphasis on practical and teacher-driven professional development. Programs like instructional coaching, peer learning communities, and job-embedded PD have emerged to address this gap (Desimone & Garet, 2015). These approaches prioritize relevance, collaboration, and actionable takeaways. Yet, challenges remain in ensuring all PD aligns with teachers’ actual needs.
Why Practical PD Matters
Practical professional development resonates with educators because it directly addresses their day-to-day challenges. According to a report by the Learning Policy Institute, effective PD is content-focused, incorporates active learning, and provides opportunities for collaboration and feedback (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017). Teachers overwhelmingly value sessions where they leave with clear, actionable steps to improve their teaching or address specific problems.
For example, a training on classroom management that includes role-playing real-life scenarios is more impactful than a lecture on behavioral theories. Similarly, a workshop demonstrating how to use a new edtech tool to save time on grading is far more useful than a general discussion on the benefits of technology in education.
The Roadblocks
Why, then, do so many PD sessions miss the mark? One reason is the disconnect between PD designers and classroom realities. Often, those developing PD are removed from the daily challenges of teaching, leading to offerings that lack context or immediacy. Another issue is the sheer variety of teacher needs; a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in a profession as diverse as education.
Five Practical Tips for Better Professional Development
Focus on Specific Problems: Design PD sessions around real, practical problems educators face, such as managing large classrooms, integrating technology, or addressing diverse learning needs.
Incorporate Active Learning: Teachers learn best by doing. Include hands-on activities, role-playing, or practice sessions to make the learning stick.
Provide Immediate Takeaways: Ensure every session offers at least one tangible strategy, tool, or resource that can be implemented immediately.
Include Teacher Input: Engage teachers in the planning process to ensure PD addresses their actual concerns. Surveys, focus groups, or teacher committees can help shape relevant offerings.
Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate peer learning by creating spaces for teachers to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and learn from each other.
Professional development holds incredible potential to enhance teaching practices and positively impact educational outcomes. However, when professional development is overly abstract, it risks missing the mark for educators juggling numerous responsibilities. Practicality is the key to unlocking the full value of PD sessions. When educators leave with clear, actionable steps or plug-and-play tools, they feel empowered to make immediate improvements in their classrooms and institutions. By prioritizing relevance and tangible applications, we can create PD experiences that are not just enriching but genuinely transformative. Let’s continue to advocate for and design professional development that respects educators' time and equips them with the tools they need to thrive.
Discussion Question
What’s one professional development session you’ve attended that truly made a difference in your teaching, and why was it impactful?
Related Posts
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Borko, H. (2004). Professional development and teacher learning: Mapping the terrain. Educational Researcher, 33(8), 3-15. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3102/0013189X033008003
Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. (2017). Effective teacher professional development. Learning Policy Institute. Retrieved from https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/effective-teacher-professional-development-report
Desimone, L. M., & Garet, M. S. (2015). Best practices in teacher’s professional development in the United States. Psychology, Society, & Education, 7(3), 252-263. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301225647_Best_Practices_in_Teachers'_Professional_Development_in_the_United_States
