25 Resources to Improve Teacher Staff Development
Administrators that focus on professional development are assuring students and their families that the school is committed to providing the best education possible. Teacher staff development enriches knowledge, skills, tools, and strategies that benefit the students and their families.
Continuous education also provides an excellent “lead by example” opportunity to demonstrate to students that learning doesn’t end after graduation.
In short, everybody wins when a school is invested in teacher staff development.
At SimpleK12 we believe in empowering schools through professional development. However, many people are unaware of the variety of resources available. Thus, we’re sharing 25 teacher staff development examples that can help schools and educators reach their goals.
What Is Teacher Development?
Teacher development is continuous learning for educators after they’ve initially received certification. Further education comes in many forms, including formal training that results in certificates or higher degrees, and informal development, like visiting a museum or reading up on the latest research in child development.
There are many advantages to teacher staff development, including:
- Being current on best practices.
- Expansion and strengthening of skills.
- Enhanced knowledge in classroom management, teaching strategies, and subject areas.
- Staying up-to-date with child development research.
- Learning how to utilize new technology for lessons, communication, and assessments.
- Improving student learning and engagement.
- Raising parental communication and involvement.
25 Resources for Teacher Staff Development
Teacher staff development is available in many forms. Administrators, teachers, and other staff need to find adequate resources that are relevant and efficient.
For example, a common mistake is holding a general workshop or inviting a speaker whose content does not address the needs and concerns of teachers and staff. Professional development is only beneficial if it brings knowledge, skills, and strategies teachers and staff can use to help their schools and students.
All schools have their unique challenges and aims. When reviewing our 25 teacher staff development suggestions, consider what formats would benefit your school’s specific needs and goals.
1. Workshops
Workshops are an excellent way to bring educators together online or in person to learn new skills or discuss strategies and ways to navigate challenges. These groups invite experts to speak and guide while teachers and staff work together, brainstorm, and exchange their experiences to learn from each other.
Workshops are a collaborative and active type of teacher staff development. They work best in manageable groups with professionals who work in similar areas. For instance, a workshop on classroom management should target specific grade levels. Teachers working with K-3 have very different needs from those working with high schoolers.
2. Seminars
Seminars are a less active and hands-on type of professional development than workshops. However, these presentation-style events allow experts to dig deeply into their knowledge to share it with others.
Seminars can be in-person or online. The advantage of the latter form is that teachers don’t have to travel and often, thanks to pre-recording, attend them as their schedule allows. In addition, online seminars allow educators to select topics that speak to their specific needs rather than attend general events at their school that might not be helpful.
3. Courses
Professional development courses come in many forms and typically target a specific need or goal. Some are only a few hours long, allowing educators to earn certification hours and certificates. Others are taken towards an advanced degree, such as a masters or PhD, and are done over months or years.
Courses are an in-depth way to gain skills and knowledge in relevant areas. They often involve reading material, videos, listening to experts, group discussions, and coursework. They can be held in person and online. Some are set to a schedule, and others allow participants to proceed at their own pace.
4. Trainings
Teacher staff development trainings are available as courses, seminars, workshops, and other knowledge-enhancing opportunities. They typically target a specific skill, such as first aid, suicide prevention, or areas of mental health, like eating disorders.
Trainings, such as for first aid, typically require reading or videos, expert guidance, and hands-on learning, such as how to perform CPR or assist someone choking.
5. Websites
Websites can be an excellent resource for teachers and staff looking for information in a specific area. For instance, teachers may consult websites to update themselves on new educational regulations and the rights of teachers, parents, and students.
Educators can also use websites to learn more about a specific topic they’ll be teaching and find inspiration on how to present a lesson or guide an activity. Some popular websites teachers enjoy include:
6. Books
Books open a whole new world of discovery. Educators can use them for professional development to learn more about an area of teaching, such as child development, learning differences, or classroom management. Books are also useful for learning more about a specific area of interest, such as black holes, dinosaurs, and Native American history.
7. Professional Development Organizations for Teachers
Professional development organizations can be a source of support and connections for teachers. They often hold events, like seminars, courses, and workshops, where members can attend. There are sometimes scholarships available to attend conferences or gain toolkits or resources for specific projects, such as starting a school garden or robotics club.
8. Podcasts
Teachers often have to multitask to stay on top of all their many responsibilities. Podcasts are the perfect hands-free professional development tool. Educators can listen to a variety of topics while folding laundry, cooking dinner, or commuting to and from school.
Podcasts can enable a teacher to delve further into a subject, like learning about everyday life on a space station or how AIs are trained. Podcasts can also be a source for teachers to hear others discuss their strategies to better communicate with parents, integrate tech into the classroom, and raise students’ reading stamina.
Some popular teaching podcasts in 2024 include:
9. Apps
Apps are an accessible and user-friendly way for teachers to access new tools and enhance their professional development. Apps fulfill a variety of functions, including:
- Brightening up lessons to raise engagement.
- Track student progress.
- Enhance remote learning.
- Run a behavior management system.
Popular teacher apps in 2024 include:
10. Mentoring
Mentoring is an enriching experience for new teachers, and the professional educator acts as a guide. The new educator learns and grows under the support and wisdom of the long-term professional. In addition, the mentor is forced to self-examine their own techniques, strategies, and tools as they walk the other through the educational process.
These partnerships build bonds, strengthen morale amongst colleagues, and encourage a culture of support amongst staff. Students also benefit by being exposed to new ideas from the inexperienced teacher while benefiting from the expertise of the more experienced educator.
11. Online Events
Online events are an accessible and affordable way to bring educators and staff from different locations together. Whether they are from around the state, country, or the globe, teachers have opportunities to hear perspectives from educators outside their own bubble. They also get to meet experts in their field who may not live nearby.
Online events also save time for teachers. They don’t have to worry about travel or parking. Thus, they make it easier for educators to fit these events into their packed schedules.
12. School Projects and Events
School projects and events can be effective for staff development, especially regarding technology. Rather than teachers trying to follow an IT or software developer’s tutorials, teachers experiment with using the technology, recreating real-life scenarios, or trying them out in the classroom.
Events can bring educators together to share what they’ve learned through their projects. They can demonstrate to colleagues how the tech has been useful, where it is not, and any tricks and tips they’ve found along the way.
13. Online Tutorials
Online tutorials are an accessible and affordable way for teachers and staff to gain new skills. They are typically short and target a specific aim, such as how to use new software or use a platform, such as Google Classroom, for a particular task.
Online tutorials are usually self-paced. It is a big advantage for educators, as they don’t have to feel self-conscious if they need more time to learn a new skill or master a technology.
14. Live Classes
Live classes, such as those hosted by SimpleK12, can help teachers and staff reach their professional goals. These opportunities target a specific area of education and have clearly defined learning objectives, ensuring teachers can assess if the live class meets their needs.
Many live classes are recorded so educators can come back and review any areas as required.
15. Teacher Certificates
Teacher certificates are given after completing some types of teacher development training. These certificates provide documented proof to employers, parents, grant committees, and others that an educator has gained specific knowledge and skills in a particular area. Teacher certificates can enhance a career and open doors to new opportunities.
16. Shadowing
Shadowing is a professional development opportunity where a teacher candidate or teacher can follow and observe another educational professional in their role. The job enables new teachers or those wishing to expand their skills to gain insights and ideas on approaching certain situations and challenges and presenting lessons and activities.
Shadowing can also create bonds between teachers, further enriching a school environment. The more colleagues collaborate, the more exciting and innovative opportunities emerge for students, parents, and other school staff.
17. Skill Exchange
Skill exchanges are a popular professional development tool in many industries and have proved beneficial for educators. Teachers with experience and training in particular areas share their knowledge with colleagues or those at a neighboring school.
Skill exchanges can be done in small groups and used in many education areas. Nor do they strictly focus on tech or classroom management.
For example, an English teacher might be well-versed in communicating with parents. The teacher might have phrases or ways to approach delicate subjects that lead to better outcomes than others, in addition to having excellent apps or systems.
18. Digital/Paper Magazines
Digital and paper magazines provide up-to-date information and insights on various topics within the educational industry. They are an excellent way for teachers to learn about the latest regulations, teaching tools, new areas of interest, strategies, and ways of presenting lessons.
Some popular teaching magazines include:
19. Social Media
Social media can be a source of support and ideas for educators. Through these online networks and communities, teachers seek advice, have access to tools and resources, and learn about new career opportunities.
Examples include:
- WeAreTeachers
- Facebook groups,
- Video-based communities, like YouTube.
20. Self-Reflection Tools and Apps
Self-reflection tools and apps are an excellent way for teachers to assess many areas of their career, including:
- Strengths and weaknesses.
- Classroom management.
- Communication with parents and colleagues.
- Lesson plans, presentation of materials, and activities.
- Progress in achieving professional development goals.
Popular tools for self-reflection include:
- Paper (book) journal.
- Day One.
- Diarium.
- Audiovisual recordings.
- Checklists.
- Questionnaires.
- Reflective Practitioner.
- Reflective Teacher.
21. Technology Tools and Apps
Some forms of teacher staff development can be difficult to provide in-house due to staffing shortages and lack of time. Thus, not every teacher who wants mentoring, coaching, or professional feedback can obtain it at their school.
However, technology tools, apps, and platforms can help fill the professional development gap. These are also useful for educators seeking feedback outside their own district bubble and are seeking fresh insights.
Popular online professional development tools and apps include:
22. Global Online Communities
Global online communities for educators allow for a wider and deeper exchange of knowledge, ideas, and perspectives. Many teachers find these groups through social media. However, there are platforms that also promote global perspectives, including SimpleK12.
Other platforms to consider include:
23. Teacher-Parent Collaboration
Parents and families are a vital resource for educators. By collaborating, they can help students reach their goals, including inviting them to share in decision-making. Teachers can also learn from their students’ parents, who have resources, skills, and knowledge they can share, including crafts, professional work experience, and technological know-how.
24. Student Feedback
Educators can gain new insights and direction by obtaining feedback from the most important people at a school: the students. Through various tools, teachers can take the emotional temperature of the classroom, see where students are happy or frustrated, and pinpoint areas that need more attention.
Ways to gain feedback include:
- Open classroom discussion.
- Surveys.
- Open-ended questionnaires.
- Feedback box.
- Interviewing students.
25. Evaluation
Evaluations allow teachers to gain feedback and insights on their teaching and classroom management. Administrators sometimes do these to comply with rules and regulations.
However, an educator can also invite a trusted colleague to do one to gain new perspectives and pointers. These evaluation sessions take less time than coaching, so they might be easier for a colleague to do, especially in districts where staffing is limited and teachers are pushed for spare time.
Take the Next Step to Becoming a Better Teacher
Teacher staff development comes in many forms, some more accessible than others. It is essential to draw from a few types of professional development, as they all have their strengths and advantages. However, no one type of professional development can meet all needs.
When deciding on teacher staff development, it is essential to consider which resources will help educators meet their goals. At SimpleK12, we provide a wide range of flexible and affordable courses. Feel free to reach out at any time and find out how we can help.
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