PD

My district has been trying hard the last two years to move from having PD revolve around one-hit wonders to something more productive. They spent time sending out surveys (on-line even) to find which areas staff felt needed to be looked into, areas of concern, and even promoting mental health, instead of infusing what is the newest trend. They have also utilized their own teachers to go be trained and return to then train other teachers. I think our teachers were more receptive to having one of their own both train and respond to concerns about a particular new tool or practice to implement. I have also seen a move to have administrators actively present during these presentations/trainings. In the past, I remember administrators doing the introduction of the presenter and then disappearing into the hall to have coffee or chat with other administrators. Where was the buy in? And how did they expect to understand questions as they arose later during the implementation period in their buildings? I have also witnessed more attention being given to understanding and communicating, both horizontally and vertically, through articulation meetings. And these meetings are run by the teachers, not an outsider. I think it is a much more responsible approach and one that shows the importance of cohesiveness and creating an awareness of what happens outside of our own little world of our classroom, department, or building. It has been well received by the staff and been much more productive than the traditional view of PD.