Why Summer & Professional Development Are a Perfect Pair Professional development and personal fulfillment can be accomplished this summer for educators nationwide. We live in a time where learning is at our fingertips, and although teachers enjoy having some time off during the summer season, they are always actively preparing for the next school year.
Online Workshops and Seminars Teachers are often emailed opportunities to earn CEU (continuing education units or credits). By offering affordable online workshops or seminars, teachers can reach their professional development goals on their own time during their summer break. Convenience and cost are always key players.
Often, colleges and universities offer free webinars to their alums. Local higher education institutions typically provide several ways for educators to complete their PD during the summer and the school year.
Also, if an educator is working on an advanced degree, their coursework will count towards professional development.
Social Media One of the easiest ways for teachers to participate in professional development is to join Facebook groups and learn from other teachers in the field. There are so many Facebook groups out there that focus on different grade levels, subjects, and topics.
These groups are full of supportive educators, and teachers can learn from them, ask questions, and collaborate with them. These groups allow educators to share tips, advice, ideas, brainstorm strategies, and ask questions.
There’s something comforting knowing you’re in a safe space with people in the same spot as you. Plus, teachers can ask like-minded professionals inside these groups about their favorite PD books, online resources, and more.
Read Professional Development Books Summer is a great time to dive into a great book. Adding a solid professional development book to a summer reading list is a simple and effective way to earn some PD. Teachers often struggle to find the time to read during the school year, let alone reflect on what they’re reading. The summertime, when their schedule is more relaxed, is an ideal time to read a PD book on a topic they are most interested in.
Podcasts Podcasts can be listened to while teachers walk in the morning, do laundry, garden, or drive in the car. Podcasts are highly convenient and effective learning tools, and just like with PD books, teacher podcasts can be found on various topics, subjects, and grade levels.
In-Person Conference
Attending an in-person conference is a more traditional way to participate in professional development. In-person conferences allow educators to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with others in their field. They are also a fantastic opportunity for vendors to share their products as teachers plan for an upcoming school year.
Learn a New Classroom Strategy One of the most straightforward and enjoyable summer professional development for teachers is simply learning something new. Maybe CEUs aren’t needed this year, but teachers are natural lifelong learners.
During the school year, they are often so busy planning lessons, teaching, analyzing, and working with students they don’t have the time to dive in and learn a new strategy or skill.
Professional development opportunities are endless during the summertime. Teachers are undoubtedly eager to relax this summer. However, they also look forward to refreshing and revitalizing their skills for a new school year that will be here before we know it!
Written By: Meredith Biesinger
Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
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