Getting There from Here: PD that Works

In my opinion, the most effective professional development strategies involve active hands-on learning, where teachers get the chance to use the tools/strategies as they are being presented in an interactive environment. Instead of just passing around handouts and lecturing in a “top down” format, engaging professional development involves a presenter guiding a facilitated learning conversation wherein tools and/or strategies are presented for immediate exploration by teachers, who can dive into new realms together and experiment in real time without fear of failure or feeling lost. Our district sponsored Vertical Teaming Initiative facilitated by county and state level technology and curriculum specialists is one such opportunity which has changed my teaching practices. The meetings feature the above mentioned methods of active, guided learning and immediate use and application. Another feature that helps our Vertical Teaming meetings successful is that we are in a small group, which allows for more intimacy and permits us to have more opportunity for communication and interactivity. Another reason these sessions have been effective is that instead of a one-shot deal, we meet every 6 weeks or so to discuss how things are going, share results, and further build on what we’re learning. Additionally, this takes place during a regular school day instead of expecting us to voluntarily give up time, and coverage is provided for our classes, so we are unencumbered.

Our school works with Glenville State and Wesleyan to help prepare student teachers. I’ve not had much experience with this, being a new staff member this year. I have been observed for a day by a Wesleyan junior who wasn’t able to observe her regular supervising teacher, and it’s interesting how being observed really makes you think about the purpose and delivery of your lessons. In the other schools I have taught in, I would take a few of my plan times each month to wander to another classroom in the building and observe veteran teachers or teachers who were known for innovation. I would like to resume this practice at my current school, as I feel being exposed to different methods and techniques is valuable.

I plan to use the same kind of PD strategies that I’ve experienced in our Vertical Teaming, in which concepts are introduced and immediate play and utilization are encouraged. It is by playing with the new that we learn its characteristics, and providing a supportive and safe environment for teachers to do this is vital to increasing the comfort level of teachers and encouraging mastery. Additionally, I plan on delivering PD during the regular school day, so that teachers will not have to “volunteer” time away from their families uncompensated. 

I already facilitate our Middle School PLC/Team Meetings for both 7^th and 8^th grades, and frequently share the tech I’m using during the meetings so my teammates can play with it on their laptops together and get a feel for it. This strategy has resulted in getting our students to use the cloud for creation and collaboration on assignments across the curriculum, and saved us thousands of pieces of paper and many hours of grading.

To help me hone my digital leadership skills, I have cultivated connections across several counties to TISs, and I also have a connection to tech leadership at the state level. Additionally, I’ve started branching out on Twitter and Schoology to connect to broader PLNs addressing effective tech integration and innovative teaching practices.

One resource I’m exploring in developing my TI is http://www.k12blueprint.com/ by Intel. The k12 blueprint breaks everything down into easy steps and categories, and the site is very user friendly. I’ve already shared several ideas with students, families, and other teachers, and we are excited! There are so many aspects to explore, and so many things that we hadn’t even dreamed existed. My cohorts are very supportive of my endeavors, and I plan on using the TI and Grant Proposal from this class in order to help us better serve our students.