Research-backed Strategies for Professional Learning That Teachers Actually Apply
Professional learning remains one of the most significant investments schools make to strengthen instruction and improve student outcomes, but not all professional development leads to meaningful change in the classroom. In a recent article for ASCD’s Educational Leadership Magazine, NIET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett examined what educators say makes professional learning both effective and sustainable.
Drawing from survey responses from more than 1,400 educators across eight states, the article highlights strategies associated with stronger teacher satisfaction and classroom application of learning. The findings reinforce the importance of professional learning that is directly connected to findings from that teacher’s evaluation and supported through individual classroom coaching by a teacher leader.
Key Findings Highlighted in the Article:
- More than 1,400 educators across eight states participated in the survey analysis
- Teachers reported stronger satisfaction with professional learning when it was connected to classroom application and ongoing support
- The article identifies three high-impact professional learning strategies:
- Investing in teacher leaders
- Connecting professional learning with evaluation and feedback systems
- Reinforcing learning through ongoing one-on-one support
When professional learning targets teachers’ needs as identified in their evaluations and is applied and reinforced through regular classroom support, it can lead to exponentially greater satisfaction and better application of learning in the classroom.NIET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett