Event Information
Pre-Session Engagement & Opening (5 minutes)
Content: Digital discussion board (Padlet or other similar tool) prompts participants to share: (1) current PD successes, (2) biggest PD challenges/pain points, and (3) one thing they wish they could change about their PD system
Engagement: Participation begins as attendees arrive through digital discussion board; creates immediate investment and generates real-time data about audience needs
Process: Individual device-based activity, presenter quickly scans responses to identify themes and adjust emphasis during session
Presenter Introduction & Session Framing (2 minutes)
Content: Brief presenter introductions emphasizing 5-year journey building this PD system; acknowledge common frustrations surfaced on Padlet
Engagement: Connect presenters’ experience directly to audience pain points identified in opening activity
Process: Presenter-led with intentional naming of shared challenges to build credibility and rapport
The Journey: Building Our PD System (38 minutes) Structured as storytelling with embedded reflection and Q&A.
Content: Detailed exploration our rationale for wanting to shift away from “one-size-fits-all” PD structures and the process by which we did this through surveying staff regarding their PD needs and wants, researching best practices for effective professional learning, and embedding structures to sustain teacher growth (i.e. peer collaboration and coaching models). Detailed exploration of our current model:
A. Four Pathway Structure
How pathways are defined and communicated
Teacher selection process and alignment to Professional Development Plans
Requirements within each pathway (session attendance, pathway discussion groups, learning walks, book studies)
Digital housing system (Google Sites structure walkthrough with screen share)
B. Teacher and Coach-Led PD Sessions
Process for recruiting teacher presenters
Support provided to teacher leaders
Session topics and formats
Impact on teacher leadership and school culture
C. Learning Walks Framework
Scheduling structure and logistics
Observation protocols and reflection tools
Building a culture of openness
Teacher feedback on learning walks
D. Coaching & Follow-Up Systems
Differentiated coaching based on teacher experience
Follow-up protocols after PD sessions
Data collection and evaluation processes
E. The Results
Teacher satisfaction data: 89% vs. state average 72%
Specific NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey results
Qualitative feedback from teachers
Engagement: Throughout this section:
Show actual templates, documents, and tools
Pauses for audience Q&A and reflection on "How would this work in YOUR context?"
Process: Presentation with visual examples, embedded individual reflection, group Q&A discussion
Small Group Application & Planning (10 minutes)
Content: Guided reflection protocol with structured prompts:
What resonates most from this model? Why?
What barriers would you face implementing personalized PD pathways?
Which component could you pilot first? (pathways, teacher-led sessions, learning walks, coaching)
What resources/support do you already have? What do you need?
Draft one concrete first step you could take in the next 30 days
Engagement: Participants work in self-selected groups of 3-4 or partner pairs; facilitator circulates to answer questions and provide coaching
Process: Small group peer-to-peer discussion with structured protocol ensures focused, productive conversation
Whole Group Synthesis & Resource Sharing (5 minutes)
Content: Participants share key insights from small group discussions; presenters share comprehensive resource packet with participants
Engagement:
Individual reflection: "What's one concrete action you're committing to?" followed by group discussion
Display QR code for resource access (templates, surveys, protocols, implementation guides, sample documents)
After this session, participants will be able to:
Assess their current professional development system and identify opportunities for personalization, teacher choice, and sustainable growth.
Design a multi-pathway PD framework that aligns individual teacher learning goals with school improvement priorities.
Implement cost-effective structures including teacher-led sessions, peer learning walks, collaborative inquiry groups, and differentiated coaching cycles.
Create needs assessment tools and processes using teacher feedback, performance data, and coaching conversations to drive authentic professional learning.
Build a culture of continuous improvement through reflection protocols, follow-up structures, and peer observation frameworks.
Draft a comprehensive, actionable PD implementation plan tailored to their unique school context, including timeline, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Participants will engage in guided reflection activities to analyze their teachers' professional learning needs and begin designing pathway options. They will leave with digital templates including: pathway frameworks, needs assessment surveys, learning walk protocols, PD session planning guides, reflection tools, and customizable implementation timelines. All resources are designed for immediate adaptation whether you lead a small charter school or large district, have limited budgets or robust funding, or work in urban or rural contexts.
Making Professional Learning Stick: ASCD Educational Leadership February 2021 Issue (Volume 78, Issue 5)
The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development by Elena Aguilar and Lori Cohen
Lead with Instructional Rounds: Creating a Culture of Professional Learning by Vicki Wilson
The Four O’Clock Faculty: A Rogue Guide to Revolutionizing Professional Development by Rich Czyz
Rogue Leader: Make the Rules, Inspire Others, and Take Control of Your Own Professional Development Destiny by Rich Czyz
Peer Coaching to Enrich Professional Practice, School Culture, and Student Learning by Pam Robbins
The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching: Seven Factors for Success by Jim Knight
The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation by Elena Aguilar
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