The Importance of Continued Professional Learning For Educators
By: Rachelle Dené Poth
Professional learning in all areas of work is essential. Regardless of your line of work, continuing to build and refine your skills is important. Professional learning is essential to keeping up with changes in the world and in our field. As educators, our work requires adaptability, ongoing reflection, and the pursuit of continued professional growth.
Especially today, as we see changes and challenges in education, whether as a result of new technologies, different student needs, or school initiatives, educators must stay informed and seek opportunities for professional learning. If we don’t, then we will remain stagnant in our teaching practices, which will limit student success.
However, there are many demands in our everyday work, which makes finding time for professional learning a challenge. Finding time is essential, and even with busy schedules, there are many ways to learn beyond the traditional professional development (PD) provided in our schools.
Ideas for Learning on Busy Schedules
Whenever I have provided professional development sessions for educators or engaged in conversations, the top answer for the most significant challenge when it comes to bringing in new methods or new technologies is a lack of time. Even finding time within our schools to talk to our colleagues is difficult. Our days are so busy with so many interactions and different tasks that even if we want to engage in a professional learning opportunity such as a webinar, a conference, or a simple conversation with a colleague, it seems that our schedule doesn't match up. However, professional learning Is not as limited as it once was and doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
Here are some ideas for engaging in professional learning that meets your schedule:
Book Clubs: Joining or starting a book club focused on education is a fun way to engage in professional learning. Years ago, I joined in a book study on Voxer, a walkie-talkie messaging app. Every person in the group read the book, posted, and answered questions. Even when the book study officially ended, that group stayed together to keep the learning and relationships in place. That book study took place seven years ago and we are still connected and learning in new ways. Whether in person or virtually, reading and discussing a book with colleagues or your PLN will provide you with new insights and foster more collaboration. And it can happen on your schedule!
Microlearning: Professional learning does not require a specific amount of time. I like to call it “pockets of learning.” Plan time in the day for a short break to read a blog, check out a video tutorial, or listen to a podcast. Some of these options only take a few minutes, yet they provide you with access to new and hopefully impactful ideas. Have a planning period? Take a walk, listen to a podcast, or catch a tutorial video for something useful for your classroom.
Podcasts and Audiobooks: Podcasts and audiobooks offer the benefit of engaging in self-care while learning on the go. Sometimes, sitting and listening can be a challenge, so exploring one of these options makes sense because you can listen while doing other activities, whether driving to school, taking a walk, exercising, or just sitting outside. I enjoy the dual focus on self-care and professional learning that happens when I can walk and listen to a blog or even record my own podcast or reflections.
Social Media Networks: Personally, I never realized how beneficial social media can be for educators. Whether you choose Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter (X), there are a variety of opportunities for professional development. One of my favorites has been Twitter chats. Engaging in a real-time conversation with educators from around the world is a great way to build your PLN and also stay informed about trends, strategies, and tools that other educators are using.
Self-Paced Online Courses or Certifications: There are many different platforms for taking courses, such as Coursera, Udemy, and edX, which offer professional development courses on many topics. Many of these courses are self-paced, which makes it easier to fit your schedule. There are courses through Google and also the Microsoft Educator Center that educators can take for free and explore many topics that are relevant to their practice. The best part about some of these, such as Microsoft, is that there are topics relevant for everyone, and you can complete the whole course in one sitting or complete parts of the module over the course of a week or more. Whatever best fits with your time.
Ways to Share Our Experiences
A couple of years ago, I realized the importance of sharing your story and leveraging teacher talent. Sharing what we’ve learned with others is essential to professional growth. We may not know who needs specific information, but when you share your story, even if only one person hears it or reads it, it may just be the one person who needs it the most.
Here are some ways to share your teacher talent:
Blogging or Podcasting: I started my own blog seven years ago after a few years of writing blogs for other publications. At first, I simply wrote about what I was doing in my classroom. It helped me to reflect on my practice, and thankfully, I received positive feedback from people who read the blog and tried some of the ideas that I had shared. Blogging about your experiences or even starting your own podcast allows you to reach a wider audience. Whether you are writing about your challenges, successes, or innovative practices you use, it enables others to learn from your journey. My own podcast started five seasons ago and it was basically me having a conversation with myself, but it shared ideas and helped me to reflect and grow professionally.
Present at Conferences or Workshops: One of the most impactful ways to share your knowledge is by presenting at educational conferences. While I was hesitant at first, I have enjoyed every opportunity. Don’t underestimate the power of sharing your unique classroom experiences, innovative strategies, or new tools you’ve integrated with others. You can even start small and host a session at your school or present at a local event with other educators. Every shared idea helps others grow and become more connected. You also will leave having made new connections for your PLN and that is hugely impactful in our work.
Social Media Sharing: Social media is a great way to share your work and insights. Beyond the most common platforms, there are communities on Slack and Discord for educators to engage in learning and make new connections to build their PLN. Posting in any of these spaces can lead to engaging discussions with educators globally and bring in new ideas for you and your practice. There are many times when I have a question or need new ideas, and being able to drop a question into one of these spaces is a quick way to learn on the go!
The Continuous Journey
As educators, we know that our work has a profound impact not just on our students but also on the world as we prepare them to be creators and innovators in the future. Every time we learn a new strategy, master a new tool, or share an insight with a colleague, we are making a difference.
Also, engaging in professional learning helps prevent teacher burnout. When we take time to learn together, share our ideas, and have a supportive network, it keeps us motivated and passionate about the work we do. Professional learning is a continuous journey. No matter how busy our schedules may be, we have options. Through continued professional learning, we become better educators and provide greater opportunities for all students. The more we learn, the better equipped we are to create environments where all students can thrive.
About the Author:
Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is a World Language and STEAM Educator at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. She is also an Attorney, Edtech Consultant, Speaker, and the author of nine books about education and edtech. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and connect on LinkedIn. Contact Rachelle for PD training or keynotes on AI and other topics.
