Charged with the responsibility of educating the next generation, teachers find that they become lifelong learners in their professional roles. In the contemporary educational landscape, the most effective professional development programs and experiences equip teachers and school staff members with the advanced knowledge and skills required to provide a safe, engaging learning environment.  

Knowing how to leverage the power of professional development strategies for educators can help teacher-leaders in the field create a nurturing environment for staff while supporting the needs of their students.

Limitations of Traditional Professional Development (PD)

Traditional professional development programs have been in place for decades, and many are well-intentioned. However, in reality, these programs may not lead to a direct improvement in student outcomes or in teacher retention rates. According to the Learning Policy Institute, educational leaders should work to redefine professional development programs so that they are more effective and impactful for students and educators alike. 

Why Short-Term Fixes Don’t Stick

Rather than simply trying to improve existing professional development programs, those who specialize in this realm should work to reconfigure programming entirely. Short-term fixes tend to apply a bandage without addressing the structural issues that prevent professional development from being truly effective. 

Disconnection From Classroom Realities to Daily Responsibilities

One of the biggest complaints that teachers have about professional development programs is the disconnect between the programming itself and the reality of working inside a modern classroom. It is important to offer professional development experiences that mirror their daily roles, giving teachers a relatable and actionable program that equips them with tools and strategies they can use in their own classrooms. 

Inconsistent Follow-Up and Support

Additionally, traditional professional development programs may tend to fall short because they do not offer teachers the ongoing support that they need to fully implement new strategies or skills into the classroom. Inconsistent follow-up and support prevent teachers from taking full advantage of their newfound information and freshly honed skills. 

Advanced Strategies for Long-Term Educator Growth

Rather than relying on traditional professional development practices, innovative leaders in education can implement advanced strategies that promote long-term growth and development. Some of the most effective strategies for professional development for educators include: 

Job-Embedded Learning Built Directly Into Daily Practice

Job-embedded professional development is a relatively recent approach in education, proven to be quite effective. This occurs during the school day and enables the teacher to immediately apply newfound learning to the students in their own classroom. It is directly connected to the individual goals of the teacher and the district or school community at large, making it a more customizable approach to educator development. Examples include:  

  • Teacher observations 
  • Reflections 
  • Coaching 
  • Performance data 
  • Professional learning communities (PLCs) 
  • Co-Teaching 
  • Curriculum Review and Alignment 
  • Action Research and Instructional Inquiry 

Using Classroom, District and Institutional Data to Guide Growth

Data-driven insights are the key to building professional development programs that have a direct impact on student outcomes within a particular building or school district. Educational leaders must be able to harness the power of the data they have available to deliver personalized professional development programming directly tied to their specific goals for growth. 

Data alone does not improve professional development or student outcomes. What drives meaningful change is how educational leaders analyze, interpret, and translate insights into actionable steps. Using data to tell a clear story aligns professional learning to real needs and creates sustainable improvements at the school or district level. 

Preparing Educators to Step Into Leadership at Every Level

In addition to developing programs that equip classroom teachers with the skills they need to enhance instructional practices and student outcomes, educational leaders should create leadership training and advanced degree programs that allow educators to continue elevating their careers.  

Collaborative Inquiry and Action Research

According to research published in Collaborative Inquiry for Educators, collaborative inquiry is a form of professional development that requires teachers to participate in PLCs. Within a small-group environment, educators have the opportunity to examine their current practices, share ideas about new instructional approaches, and test theories in their own classroom ecosystems. This action research drives tailored results that can greatly benefit individual school communities. Beyond building trust and understanding among educators and building confidence in individual abilities, collaborative inquiry aligns teaching efforts toward a shared vision, which contributes to the overall success of the community. 

Insights from Doctor of Education (EdD) Research on Educator Development 

EdD developments in research shed insight on the best practices for educator development, enabling educational leaders at all levels to develop more effective and engaging professional development programs.  

Translating Theory Into Practice

By exploring the most recent EdD research findings, administrators can begin translating theory into practice. Many of the most recent research findings prove that personalized, data-driven professional development is more effective and useful than traditional programs, which often fall short and leave teachers feeling frustrated or disengaged from the process. 

Case Examples and Outcomes

Several examples of recent research findings can help educational leaders across specialty areas and all levels of education develop professional development programming that promotes teacher retention, enhances instructional practices and boosts student outcomes. 

Example 1: Leadership-Focused PD Improving Teacher Retention 

High turnover rates can have a detrimental impact on student outcomes. This is why many schools are focusing on professional development that emphasizes teacher retention. Job-embedded professional development focused on leadership training is one of the best ways to improve teacher retention rates within a school building or district. 

Example 2: PLCs and Peer Coaching Increasing Student Achievement 

Collaborative inquiry persists as a powerful professional development tool available to educators. Through professional learning communities and instructional coaching, teachers can receive direct, personalized support for challenges they are facing in their current classrooms. This type of tailored professional development gives teachers voice and choice in shaping their own training — meaning they are better able to implement customized supports that lead to improved academic outcomes. Faculty accountability within the PLCs and peer coaching has a large impact on increasing student achievement and professional growth. 

Example 3: Equity-Focused Initiatives Improving Access and Inclusion

At a time when vast inequities permeate all levels of education, an increasing number of professional development programs are available, aimed at elevating access and inclusion at school. These equity-focused professional development programs are designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills required to reduce the impact of systemic inequities.  

Challenges in Implementing Advanced Development Models

Advanced development models might be effective, but that does not necessarily mean they are easy for educational leaders to implement. Below are a few key challenges associated with implementing the most advanced professional development strategies for educators: 

Institutional Barriers

Institutional barriers continue to impede innovative leaders who want to implement the most recent EdD insights into their professional development programming. Funding the programs and finding the time to incorporate them into the schedule are two common logistical hurdles that leaders must overcome. 

Resistance to Change

Change management is crucial when moving away from traditional professional development programs and transitioning toward advanced professional development strategies. Resistance to change is common, particularly among established educators who are accustomed to doing things a certain way. Involving educators in the process and giving them a voice, however, educational leaders can quell this resistance and more successfully implement new programming. 

Measuring Long-Term Impact

It can be a challenge to prove that the most advanced strategies will work better, along with the positive long-term impact of new programs. By continually collecting data and revising professional development options accordingly, educational leaders may begin to showcase the power of these programs. 

Best Practices for Sustainable Educator Development

Executed well, professional development not only equips educators with advanced skills, but it also promotes teacher retention in the building and improves academic outcomes among students. These are some best practices for creating sustainable professional development programming:  

Embedding PD Into School Culture

Teacher-led and job-embedded professional development allows ongoing training to become part of the daily routine, rather than the exception to the schedule. Integrating professional development into the school culture, educational leaders can encourage a growth mindset among all educators that supports personalized learning and adaptive practices in classroom environments. 

Aligning PD With Organizational Goals

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to professional development. Leaders must leverage the power of building and district data in order to align professional development experiences with organizational goals, as this is the most reliable way to offer relevant and engaging training programs. 

Leveraging Technology for Scalable PD

Advanced technology can streamline the professional development process, making it more accessible and easier for teachers to complete while managing their current responsibilities. 

The Role of Advanced Degrees in Driving Change 

Education is ever evolving, calling upon leaders to be at the forefront of change and innovation. Graduate degree programs in education, such as the Doctor of Education degree, allow leaders to explore the most recent research findings and develop actionable insights that can enhance classroom life for teachers and students alike. 

How an EdD Prepares Leaders for Implementation

Not only does the EdD program introduce future leaders to the most recent research findings in the field; it also equips them with the skills to analyze research findings and implement new strategies that will improve outcomes.  

Practical Dissertation Projects Tackling Real Institutional Challenges

Within this doctorate-level degree program, students complete practical dissertation projects that address pressing challenges in actual classrooms around the country. These extensive projects require graduate students to take an analytical look at issues in the education field and develop innovative, impactful solutions based on their own research. 

Broader Career Pathways With an EdD

The EdD degree is designed for future leaders who want to continue to practice in learning environments, allowing them to pursue a range of careers. According to Indeed, some common pathways for graduates with an EdD degree include curriculum development, administration, higher education instruction or education policy development. 

Building a Culture of Lasting Growth

Ultimately, EdD students recognize the power of lifelong learning, and they strive to instill a commitment to continual growth and development in the communities they serve. Whether you pursue a career in curriculum development or want to work in administration, you will find that your EdD degree empowers you to build a culture of lasting growth throughout your career. 

Explore the Top Professional Development Strategies for Educators at Keiser University Graduate School

Professional development for educators is essential in today’s landscape, in which teachers at all levels are required to provide differentiated instruction and personalized classroom support to all of their students.  

The Doctor of Education Curriculum Leadership, EdD and the Doctor of Education (EdD) degree at Keiser University is a practitioner-based program designed for educators who want to pursue leadership positions in various learning environments. The curriculum for this graduate degree program explores the importance of educator development as well as the leading professional development strategies for educators — preparing graduates to create and implement effective programming in a wide range of learning environments.

Contact a graduate admissions counselor today to learn more about EdD development at Keiser University.