Empowering educators through holistic teacher PD
Balancing teacher workload and maximizing the outcomes of PD requires a thoughtful approach
When I first entered the education field as an elementary school teacher 20 years ago, I was eager to make a positive impact. However, it quickly became clear that I lacked key training and resources to be as effective as possible. These early challenges fueled my passion for helping other teachers feel prepared and confident in their roles.
As leaders, it’s essential to focus on equipping educators with the tools they need to succeed, especially as the education landscape evolves. While many teachers are skilled in pedagogy and assessment, fewer are prepared to manage mental health issues and behavioral challenges. This is compounded by the fact that two-thirds of students with disabilities now spend over 80% of their time in general education classrooms, leaving teachers feeling overwhelmed.
Teacher Attrition: A Growing Concern
Recent research reveals that nearly one-third of K–12 educators are considering leaving their jobs. Teacher attrition rates have risen significantly, driven in part by the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To address this issue, we must focus on empowering educators. Teachers who feel confident and equipped are more likely to stay engaged, succeed, and derive satisfaction from their work. A robust professional development (PD) program can help achieve this by providing educators with strategies and resources to navigate both academic and non-academic challenges.
The Role of Holistic Professional Development
Adopting a balanced approach to PD that includes classroom management, instructional excellence, and leadership development can empower educators to overcome challenges and enhance student outcomes. Effective PD enables teachers to create positive, inclusive learning environments where they can focus on teaching rather than disciplining.
Partnering with professional development service providers is one solution. Providers can offer a mix of instructor-led workshops, on-demand training, and job-embedded coaching to maximize learning opportunities without adding undue stress to educators. Personalized and flexible PD solutions tailored to classroom needs can make a significant difference.
Empowering Educators to Help Students Succeed
We entered this field to make a difference. By investing in holistic PD programs, we can retain vital teachers and provide them with the tools they need to help students thrive, both now and in the future.
