Some Professional Development Avenues

Attend professional conferencespresent mini-workshops to colleagues

Attend workshops and institutesObserve other teachers teaching

Be coached by an expertParticipate in a book discussion group

Be mentoredParticipate in a research study

Collect & analyze student dataParticipate in on-line professional development

Conduct action researchParticipate on a school improvement team

Consult an expertParticipate on a school/district PD committee

Critical friendsPeer coach

Cross grade level meetingsPeer observation & analysis

Develop curriculumPlan lessons with colleagues

Do an independent studyRead professional journals & books

Do lesson studyReview professional literature for effective practices

E-mail correspondence with presenterShadow another educator

Examine student workTake university courses

Grade level meetingsVideotape and assess your own lessons

Invite colleagues to observe & Visit schools with model programs

debrief a lesson in your class

Write articles

Join a professional organization

or network

Keep a reflection journal

Listen to audiotaped presentations

Mentor another

Adapted from the works of Leslie J. Kerman, ASCD, D.L. Howell (2003) and Rick Wormele (2003)

Typical Teacher Professional Development Activities and Resources

Activities / Resources
Workshops / Computers and Internet links
Courses / Audiovisuals to preview and borrow
Seminars / Distance education facilities
Symposiums / Professional books, journals, teacher writings
Conferences / Facilities for individual study
Distance education programs / Group meeting facilities
Curriculum development / Sample curricula
Development of instructional materials / Commercially made instructional materials
Grant writing / Teacher made instructional materials
Action research / Equipment and supplies to develop units, lessons, instructional materials
Individualized study / Labs to preview and borrow
Self-assessment / Photocopy machines
Consultation / Information on community resources
Networking / Exhibitions/displays
Study groups / Work areas
*Support for beginning teachers / National, state and district mandates
Training of trainers / Information on associations, networks, outside professional development
Leadership training / Recreational facilities
Demonstrations / Dining facilities
Expert presentations

Gordon, Stephen P. (2004). Professional development for school improvement: Empowering learning communities, Boston, MA:

Pearson Education, Inc.

Addressing Professional Development Time Barriers

Consider possible times for professional development:

  • Morning sessions (released time with substitutes or other coverage)
  • Afternoon sessions (released time with substitutes or other coverage)
  • Alternating morning and afternoon sessions (released time)
  • All day sessions (CE days or stipends)
  • Intersessions
  • Summer
  • Saturdays
  • *Evenings