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My Professional Learning Plan: A Cohesive Strategy for Classroom Success

  • Writer: Kim
    Kim
  • Oct 7, 2024
  • 9 min read

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What is professional learning? Professional learning, simply put, is the ongoing process where teachers improve their skills and knowledge. It's like continuing education but tailored for educators. It includes attending workshops, collaborating with peers, experimenting with new teaching methods, and reflecting on what works best in their classrooms. My entire innovation plan is based on my thoughts that Professional Learning is Broken! 


This declaration isn't just a critique; it’s a call to action! By recognizing the shortcomings in traditional professional learning, I have been motivated to plan and implement The Alternate PL, designed to help teachers like myself develop practical and effective classroom strategies. This journey has been both enjoyable and challenging throughout my M.Ed program at Lamar University. My hope is by the end of the end of the PL program, participants will have the tools and confidence to implement various strategies tailored to their teaching needs because according to Gulamhussein (2013),  effective professional development is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires sustained support, collaboration, and alignment with teachers' needs and school goals. Whether they’re setting up an LMS, designing interactive online activities, or refining math stations, this Alternate PL plan will guide them every step of the way.


The Big Goal: Developing Classroom Strategies

Let's start with my Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) for this plan: to help teachers implement multiple classroom strategies that fit their specific teaching environments. This includes:


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  • Setting up an effective Learning Management System (LMS)

  • Creating interactive online activities

  • Designing and refining math stations for differentiated instruction


Fink’s Three-Column Table

At the heart of this strategy is Fink’s Three-Column Table, which aligns learning goals, learning activities, and assessments. This ensures that each concept we explore isn’t just theoretical but practiced and assessed in a meaningful way. Every component is designed to support your professional growth and student success.


Strategy Implementation

Here's a more detailed breakdown of how my PL will achieve the learning goals:

  1. Introduction & Modeling: We'll begin by introducing new strategies with clear, practical examples. Seeing these techniques in action helps to understand their real-world application.

  2. Practice & Implementation: After the initial introduction, it's time for hands-on practice. Teachers will apply these strategies in their classrooms with ongoing support to address any challenges and ensure effective implementation.

  3. Reflection & Feedback: Structured time will be provided for teachers to reflect on their experiences and receive constructive feedback. This step is crucial for making necessary adjustments and fostering continuous improvement.

  4. Collaborative Sharing: To wrap up, teachers will engage in collaborative sharing sessions where they can discuss their experiences, share insights, and learn from each other’s successes and challenges.


5 Key Principles of Effective Professional Learning

To make sure this strategy is truly effective, I’ve built it around five key principles (TNTP 2015) that are proven to work in professional learning:


  1. Duration of Professional Development 

    Professional development that is both consistent and broad requires more than just one meeting. Building a culture of constant development is the goal. Teachers can better comprehend and incorporate new strategies into their lessons when they take the time to explore, reflect, and revisit these methods. By encouraging a growth mentality and resilience, this ongoing process paves the way for educational processes to continuously develop.

  2. Ongoing Support for Implementation

    Problems that arise during implementation might discourage even the most enthusiastic teachers. Teachers are less likely to experience feelings of isolation when they have strong support systems in place, such as peer networks, mentors, or coaches. By having this kind of continuous support, they are able to fix problems as they arise and try out new things without worrying that they might go back to their old ways of doing things. Imagine it as a buffer zone that encourages creativity.

  3. Active Engagement in Learning 

    Learning that sticks requires active participation. Teachers not only pick up new ideas but also internalize and make their own when they take an active role in class discussions, practical exercises, and group projects. They are more likely to thoroughly grasp the concepts and put them into practice effectively in their classrooms when they actively participate in the learning process. It's the distinction between taking in data and actively building their own expertise.

  4. Modeling New Practices

    Seeing is believing. Teachers get a better grasp of a strategy's practical implementation when they observe it as it's happening. Modeling makes new techniques more approachable and less intimidating by providing a tangible example. By providing a bridge between theory and practice, this visual and practical example increases teachers' confidence and desire to attempt new methods.

  5. Content Specificity 

    Personalized professional development for educators, regardless of their grade level, subject area, or student demographics, has a considerably greater impact than one-size-fits-all training. Teachers are more inclined to participate, appreciate, and apply new tactics when the material is pertinent to their actual work as educators. Because of its practicality, PL goes beyond being a formality to being an effective way to improve their teaching.

By applying these guidelines, PL can evolve from a collection of isolated events into an organizational change that boosts education. This is how we build a classroom that is full of life and energy, perfect for students and instructors alike.


Go and Show/Alt PL Presentation 

The "Go and Show" approach is a dynamic way of learning by doing. When teachers learn a new strategy and then immediately apply it in their classrooms, they can directly see what works and what needs adjustment. Sharing their experiences with peers not only fosters a sense of community but also ensures that everyone is held accountable and can provide real-world feedback. This method turns theoretical learning into practical application, promoting active engagement and continuous improvement.


PD Outline/Blueprint 


The program is organized into specific themes and practice weeks to give you time to learn, implement, and refine. The Professional Learning Outline is a 20-week schedule with alternating learning and application weeks that ensures that teachers have ample time to apply and reflect on each concept. This balanced pacing prevents overload and promotes thorough implementation. This outline for professional development ensures a structured yet flexible approach to learning and implementation.


Audience and Their Needs

This PL plan is tailored specifically for K-6th grade teachers seeking practical strategies to enhance student engagement and learning within their classrooms. By focusing on easy-to-implement, hands-on learning techniques and customizing content for specific subjects or grade levels, this professional learning experience ensures relevance and immediate applicability. Giving teachers the chance to work and share resources with their colleagues who teach the same grade-level subjects will foster a community of collaboration!


Fostering Collaboration and Modeling

Collaboration is key to effective professional learning. By incorporating peer feedback sessions and group discussions, teachers can share their challenges and successes, creating a rich community of learning. Real-life modeling, through video demonstrations or live examples, provides a clear visual of how strategies can be implemented, boosting confidence and understanding.


Fostering Self-Directed Learning

Encouraging self-directed learning is crucial for teachers to take ownership of their professional growth. This approach empowers teachers to take control of their learning journey, allowing for a more personalized and meaningful experience. Here’s how we can foster self-directed learning effectively:

  1. Reflection Journals: Reflection journals are a powerful tool for self-directed learning. By regularly writing down their thoughts, experiences, and insights, teachers can track their progress over time. This practice encourages deep reflection, which is essential for personal and professional growth. It allows teachers to identify what strategies are working, where they need to improve, and how they can adapt their approaches to better meet their students’ needs.

  2. Access to Diverse Resources: Providing access to a variety of resources—such as articles, videos, and templates—enables teachers to explore topics that interest them at their own pace. This flexibility ensures that they can dive deeper into areas they find relevant and exciting. Resources like research articles and educational videos offer theoretical insights and practical examples, while templates provide ready-to-use tools that can be easily integrated into their teaching practices.

  3. Personalized Learning Paths: Self-directed learning allows for the creation of personalized learning paths. Teachers can choose the topics and materials that align with their individual needs and goals. This personalized approach makes the learning process more engaging and relevant, increasing the likelihood that teachers will implement new strategies in their classrooms.

  4. Encouraging Exploration and Experimentation: When teachers have the freedom to explore new ideas and experiment with different techniques, they are more likely to discover innovative solutions that work best for their students. This culture of exploration and experimentation not only enhances their professional skills but also fosters a growth mindset.

  5. Ongoing Support and Feedback: While self-directed learning emphasizes independence, ongoing support, and feedback are still crucial. Providing opportunities for peer collaboration and mentoring ensures that teachers have the guidance they need to navigate challenges and refine their practices. Constructive feedback helps them stay on track and continuously improve.

  6. Building a Community of Learners: Fostering a sense of community among teachers can greatly enhance self-directed learning. Creating platforms for sharing resources, experiences, and successes helps build a supportive network. This collaborative environment encourages teachers to learn from one another, share best practices, and stay motivated in their professional development journey.

By incorporating these elements into a Professional Learning plan, we can create an environment that not only supports but also thrives on self-directed learning. This approach ultimately leads to more effective teaching practices and improved student outcomes.


Who Will Lead What Sections?

In my professional learning plan, leadership is a shared responsibility, creating a collaborative and supportive environment. Depending on the specific session, the roles will be divided to maximize effectiveness and ensure diverse perspectives are integrated into the learning process.


The facilitators will take primary responsibility for introducing new strategies and guiding the overall learning process. By acting as both a leader and a mentor, they will ensure that participants have a clear understanding of the new concepts and feel supported in their implementation journey. This dual role helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing ongoing guidance and encouragement.


However, collaborative and feedback sessions will be led by peer leaders. These sessions are critical for fostering a sense of community and shared ownership of the learning process. Peer leaders, who are teachers with expertise in specific areas, will take the lead during these sessions. Their firsthand experience and insights will be invaluable in facilitating meaningful discussions and modeling effective strategies.


Teachers with particular strengths or successful experiences in certain areas will be invited to lead discussions or demonstrate strategies. This approach not only leverages the diverse talents within the group but also promotes a culture of mutual respect and learning. By sharing their expertise, these teachers help to create a rich tapestry of knowledge and practical insights that benefit everyone involved.


To sum up, the leadership structure in this professional learning plan is designed to be dynamic and inclusive. I’ll act as a mentor and guide, ensuring a strong foundation and continuous support, while peer leaders and teachers with specific expertise will take on roles that highlight their strengths and foster a collaborative learning environment. This structure aims to create a sense of shared ownership and collective growth, ensuring that every participant feels valued and empowered.



PL Sessions Slide Deck(s)

Each Professional Learning (PL) session will be carefully structured to maximize engagement and ensure that participants leave with a clear, practical understanding of the strategies being introduced. A slide deck for each session will include several key components that will act as a guide for the participants. I've created an overarching slide deck template that gives a detailed and structured approach to ensure that each PL session is not only informative but also highly interactive and practical. The slide deck can easily be modified to the learning that will take place for that week! By combining theory, modeling, hands-on practice, and reflection, the sessions will equip teachers with the tools and confidence they need to implement new strategies effectively. Also having the flexibility to embed the slide deck within the LMS is a game changer for providing asynchronous and synchronous options for educators.


Resources Needed

To support this PL journey, I will provide:



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