Everyone Can Benefit from Professional Development

“A teacher who loves learning earns the right and the ability to help others learn.” Ruth Beechick, Easy Start in Arithmetic/K-3:.

Professional development is sometimes viewed as a necessary evil, though it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little research into the available opportunities, your professional development can be applicable to your classroom and even enjoyable. To get you started, here are a few fall and winter classes, seminars, and online chances to learn a new trick or two.

It’s All About the Common Core

As states across the nation implement the CCSS, some teachers may be feeling a little unsure of the best way to dovetail old practices with new. Luckily, several seminars are being offered in a variety of formats to make the transition smooth. 

The National Science Teachers Association is sponsoring a three-day conference focused on helping you integrate the Common Core into your science curriculum. A few of the workshops listed, October 24-26 in Portland, Oregon, include:

• "Reading, Writing & Rings: Using Saturn to Teach Science and Language Arts”
• “The Pictures Aren't There Just to Take Up Space—Getting Kids Good at Reading in Science”
• “But I Am Not a Reading Teacher! Delivering Common Core ELA Standards in Your Science Classroom.”

Registration is going on now with early bird discounts being applied until September 13^th.

Discovery Education is offering a series of workshops in various cities this fall that will focus on these topics:

• What are the core components of the CCSS and how do they impact me?
• How do I integrate the CCSS most effectively into my curriculum and instruction?
• How do I create assessments that align to the CCSS?
• How do I plan for the successful implementation of the CCSS in my classroom?

Whether you are just starting down the path to implement CCSS and need an introduction to the standards, or you are ready to dig deeper, these workshops will take the fear out of the CCSS.

Across the Curriculum

Annenberg Learner aims to "advance excellent teaching in American schools." To fulfill its mission, The Annenberg Foundation offers a variety of professional development workshops via online streaming in all subject areas. Many of the classes offer graduate level and continuing education credits through Colorado State University.

Are you an American history teacher looking for a fresh approach? Primary Sources: Workshops in American History, is a new video collection and online workshop created for American history high school teachers to dig into eight topics in American history. Teaching a class on world literature this year? The Expanding Canon: Teaching Multicultural Literature in High School features literature of African American, Asian American, Native American and Latino writers. Teachers from across the country demonstrate innovative classroom strategies for using multicultural works with high school students. With more than 60 course offerings this fall, check the website for one that fits your needs.

Anti-Bullying Webinars

Unfortunately, bullying continues to break down school morale. The Council for Exceptional Children is tackling this issue with three webinars:

1. October 8th: "Bullying Behavior: Prevention and Intervention,"
2. October 22nd: "Students Who Are Bullied,"
3. November 6th: "Tiered Intervention Plans." 

Special Education and Early Childhood Education

The Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities, DADD, will hold its international conference in Clearwater, Florida in January. A few of the workshop titles include “Selecting Books with Characters with Disabilities from The Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award Books,” “An iPad-Infused Classroom”, and “Sense and Sensibilities: An Inside View on Sensory Issues.” Always featuring a qualified panel of presenters, this conference is sure to offer valuable information for those who work with special needs populations. January 21-23, 2014.

If you live near the Twin Cities area, The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has put together a four-part workshop series for early childhood educators wanting to learn more about Montessori education. Although it is designed with practicing Montessori educators in mind, it also welcomes those in other school settings as well as parents. If you’ve been looking for ways to engage the youngest learners, this is a good place to start. Dates are October 11^th, December 13^th, February 7^th, and April 11^th. The workshops are all held in River Falls, WI (between Minneapolis, MN and Eau Claire, WI).

Apple for the Teacher

As the popularity of iPads as a learning tool continues to expand, Apple wants to make sure that teachers and students are making the most of this technology. A variety of on-site workshops is offered and can be tailored to fit your faculty’s specific needs. Explore math apps or ways to enhance science lessons with Apple products or gain a better understanding of how technology can help struggling learners. Make sure that expensive little tablet is living up to its potential—your students will thank you for it!

More PD Resources on Lesson Planet

Lesson Planet Professional Development

Created by teachers, for teachers, these online video courses offer practical, easy-to-follow guidance for integrating technology, such as iPads or Google Documents, in the classroom. Each course is broken up into a series of short episodes, so you can focus on what's most relevant to you. 

Professional Development Made Easy

Here you'll find a general list of places to earn continuing education credits. From pricier university courses to free online workshops, there is something for every budget.

Summer Reading to Encourage Professional Development

In this article, the author suggests several titles to expand the teacher’s mind and practice.  Whether you want to learn more about the Common Core, get help with an instructional strategy, or simply be inspired by the journey of others, there is a book for you.