Why is teacher learning important?

Nearly every U.S. state requires continuing education credits for renewal of a teaching license. This makes professional development essential for people who want to remain teachers. However, teacher learning can offer your school much more than a box to tick on a form every few years. Developing skills can benefit both teachers and students.

Benefits for students

Teachers who expand their knowledge gain more skills that can help their students. This is especially important when it comes to pedagogies and the diverse needs of learners. Successful teachers don’t offer one-size-fits-all approaches to teaching; they have the ability and flexibility to adapt their methods. This helps them capture the attention of all learners and better prepare students for the future.

In addition to learning teaching methods, professional development can give teachers opportunities to gain new knowledge about their subject area. An expanding knowledge base can allow your teachers to provide students with the most up-to-date information and help them answer questions that aren’t necessarily answered in the standard curriculum.

Finally, professional development models learning for students. If your students see their teachers regularly taking time to learn, even as adults, they understand that it’s a lifelong process. This can help inspire them to focus on their current studies and look for educational opportunities in the future.

Benefits for teachers

Professional development has the potential to set your teachers up for success. With the right knowledge, teachers are better able to manage a classroom, convey concepts to students and support learning.

In the current climate, teacher learning may also help people stay in the profession. A report from 2019 found that the teacher shortage was impacting schools, with more than 45% finding it very difficult or impossible to fill vacancies. This was before the pandemic hit. A 2021 survey from the National Education Association discovered that more than half of respondents were considering retiring or leaving the education sector sooner than planned, often due to stresses from COVID-19.

If you’re struggling to find or keep teachers, professional development may help. Effective learning for teachers can give your team the skills needed to navigate new challenges and the confidence to stand in front of the classroom. It also can give people a chance to meet other teachers, which can help build a network that supports them as they continue their career.

What makes professional development effective for teachers?

The key word in conversations about teacher learning is “effective.” Educators may find they’re not engaged with professional learning opportunities for a variety of reasons, so they don’t take away new skills. Ensuring the professional development you offer is effective can help teachers make the most of learning opportunities and implement new knowledge in the classroom.

A report put out by the Learning Policy Institute found key features that can help create an effective professional development environment.

• Content focus: Provide information that’s specific to teaching the relevant discipline, such as science or literacy.
• Active learning: Engage teachers by letting them try new techniques, participate in interactive activities and experience the same style of learning that’s being demonstrated.
• Support of collaboration: Give teachers the opportunity to work collaboratively and share experiences and ideas.
• Provide models of effective practice: Show teachers what best practices look like by including lesson plans, samples of student work and case studies.
• Coaching and expert support: Share expertise about teaching methods and evidence-based practices that concentrates on teachers’ individual needs.
• Feedback and reflection: Include time for teachers to reflect on what they’ve learned, make changes to their own teaching and solicit feedback.
• Adequate time to learn: Don’t rush through material. Instead, provide teachers with enough time to learn the content, practice techniques, implement changes and reflect on new strategies.

Tips to create a supportive teacher learning environment

Building a supportive teacher learning environment in your school can encourage your teachers to participate fully in the professional development process. Just hosting professional development days shows that you’re ready to assist your teachers and their learning, but there are other steps you can take to foster a culture of growth.

Be engaging

Go beyond “sit and listen” approaches by organizing learning opportunities that are interactive. Alternative delivery methods, such as online or hybrid learning, can also be engaging, as they allow teachers to absorb materials in their own time when they can focus fully, rather than on your timetable.

Being engaging also means being practical. Professional development should address real challenges faced by teachers and give them solutions they can take to the classroom.

Build a culture of learning

The culture that exists among your teachers impacts their students. That’s why it’s important to build relationships among teachers, as well as between teachers and administrators. Allowing your teachers to guide their learning can help build this culture.

Give your teachers space and time to talk about what they need. You can also allow answers to come from the group. Learning from each other creates a positive environment and helps teachers cultivate leadership. Experienced teachers can guide those new to the profession, while younger teachers may be able to help colleagues with technology and new pedagogies discussed while earning their degree.

These opportunities to talk may not count toward CECs, but they can allow teachers to grow individually and as a team.

Think beyond professional development

Teacher learning is a key step to help people continue to grow in their role as educators. But as recent reports about stress and burnout have shown, continuing as a teacher requires more than just knowing how to teach.

You can use professional development days to show your team self-care and self-management techniques. Make sure they know how to rekindle their resiliency and give them methods for avoiding burnout. Although some teachers may think this isn’t relevant, these skills can be vital in helping people stay in the profession.

Support extended learning opportunities

If teachers come to you wanting to further their education, whether through workshops, conferences or graduate studies, find ways to help them. Your budget may not extend to paying for travel, but you might ensure their classes are covered. Likewise, you may be able to lessen the workload for teachers working on a graduate thesis.

These external learning opportunities don’t just help the teacher boost their career. They may bring networking opportunities and innovative ideas that can enhance your students’ experiences. For example, you can now find graduate courses on trauma-informed education, educational technology and divergent learning. These specializations may bring skills and knowledge back to your school that help create a brighter future for your students.

Effective teacher learning can provide benefits for your school, your students and the teachers. Taking steps to create a supportive learning environment can help you set your school up for success.