Resources for Professional Development for Teachers

A List of Our Top Resource Options for Teacher Professional Development

Teachers have many ways to get better at teaching and help students learn more. They can go to workshops, take online classes, attend conferences, join groups with other teachers to learn together, read teacher blogs and listen to podcasts, read books and articles about teaching, join teacher groups, talk with other teachers online, and do training at their school.

Workshops, online classes, and conferences are good for learning new things and meeting other teachers. Groups of teachers learning together, like professional learning communities (PLCs), help teachers support each other and learn from each other’s experiences. Teacher blogs, podcasts, books, and articles give teachers new ideas and show them what’s working for other teachers. Teacher groups and online communities let teachers talk with each other and share helpful stuff. School training helps teachers learn things that are important for their school.

Professional Development Workshops

Professional development workshops are often conducted by educational institutions, school districts, or specialized organizations. These workshops offer educators opportunities to delve deeper into various aspects of teaching and learning. Topics covered in these workshops can range from instructional strategies and curriculum design to classroom management techniques and the integration of technology in education. Workshops are typically interactive, allowing participants to engage in discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative learning experiences. They provide a valuable platform for educators to share insights, exchange ideas, and gain practical skills that they can apply directly in their classrooms.

Online Courses and Webinars

Online courses and webinars have become increasingly popular options for teacher professional development due to their convenience and flexibility. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer a wide range of courses specifically designed for educators. These courses cover diverse topics, including pedagogy, educational psychology, assessment methods, and subject-specific teaching strategies. Webinars provide another avenue for professional development, offering live or recorded sessions on relevant topics delivered by experts in the field. Online learning allows teachers to access high-quality resources from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier to fit professional development into their busy schedules.

Educational Conferences

Educational conferences bring together educators from across the globe to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and explore new trends in teaching and learning. Conferences like the ASCD Annual Conference and the ISTE Conference & Expo feature keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. These events cover a wide range of topics, from educational technology and digital literacy to culturally responsive teaching and social-emotional learning. Educational conferences provide a platform for educators to gain inspiration, learn from leading experts, and connect with peers who share similar interests and challenges.

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are groups of educators who come together to collaborate, reflect on their practice, and support each other in their professional growth. PLCs can take various forms, including grade-level teams, subject-area groups, or interdisciplinary teams. These communities provide a supportive environment where teachers can share best practices, discuss challenges, and work together to improve student outcomes. PLCs often engage in activities such as lesson study, book studies, peer observation, and data analysis to enhance their teaching practice. By participating in PLCs, educators can develop a deeper understanding of effective teaching strategies and build meaningful relationships with their colleagues.

Teacher Blogs and Podcasts

Teacher blogs and podcasts offer valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories for educators seeking professional development opportunities. Blogs like Cult of Pedagogy, Edutopia, and The Teaching Channel provide articles, videos, and resources on a wide range of topics related to teaching and learning. Podcasts such as The EdSurge Podcast, Teach Better Talk, and The Creative Classroom offer audio interviews, discussions, and expert advice for educators. These online platforms allow teachers to learn from experienced educators, stay updated on the latest trends in education, and find inspiration to enhance their teaching practice.

Books on Education

Books on education provide in-depth exploration of key concepts, theories, and practices in teaching and learning. Authors like Sir Ken Robinson, Carol Dweck, and John Hattie have written influential books that have shaped the field of education. Whether exploring topics like creativity, growth mindset, or visible learning, these books offer valuable insights and practical strategies for educators. Reading educational books allows teachers to deepen their understanding of pedagogy, gain new perspectives on teaching and learning, and stay informed about evidence-based practices that can improve student achievement.

Educational Journals and Publications

Educational journals and publications serve as valuable sources of research-based information and best practices for educators. Journals like the Journal of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership, and The Journal of Educational Psychology publish peer-reviewed articles on a wide range of topics in education. These publications cover research findings, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications relevant to teaching and learning. By staying abreast of the latest research in the field, educators can make informed decisions, implement evidence-based practices, and continuously improve their teaching effectiveness.

Professional Development Networks

Professional development networks provide educators with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and access resources to support their professional growth. Organizations like the National Education Association (NEA) and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) offer resources, workshops, conferences, and networking opportunities for educators. These networks provide a platform for teachers to engage in advocacy, share best practices, and stay updated on policy issues impacting education. By joining professional organizations and networks, educators can expand their professional network, access high-quality resources, and contribute to the advancement of the teaching profession.

Online Communities and Forums

Online communities and forums provide platforms for educators to connect, collaborate, and share resources and ideas. Websites like Reddit’s r/Teachers, the Educator’s PLN, and the Teaching Channel Community host discussions, Q&A sessions, and resource sharing among educators. These online platforms allow teachers to seek advice, share experiences, and learn from colleagues around the world. By participating in online communities and forums, educators can expand their professional network, access diverse perspectives, and find support and encouragement from peers facing similar challenges.

School-Based Professional Development

School-based professional development programs are designed to meet the specific needs and goals of educators within a particular school or district. These programs may include workshops, seminars, coaching sessions, and peer observation and feedback activities. School-based professional development opportunities often focus on areas such as curriculum alignment, instructional strategies, assessment practices, and school improvement initiatives. By engaging in school-based professional development, educators can collaborate with colleagues, address specific challenges within their school community, and work towards common goals to improve student learning outcomes.

By using these resources, teachers can keep getting better at teaching and help students do their best in school.

How Can Teen Truth Help With Professional Development?

TEEN TRUTH offers several professional development workshops and keynote programs to benefit teachers. Visit teentruth.net/professional-development-teachers-and-staff to learn more about our programs on improving campus relationships, helping students to be resilient, or building school culture.

Blog Post Was Written by an SEO Company in Melbourne, FL Shifted SEO & Web Design