Professional Development for Teachers and Principals Guide

The Power of Professional Development

Education is always changing. New research, evolving student needs, and shifting instructional methods make it essential for educators to keep learning. Professional development isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about growing skills, strengthening instruction, and ultimately improving student success.

When professional learning is structured and intentional, it leads to real impact. Research has shown that educators who engage in ongoing development become more effective in the classroom, leading to higher student achievement (Darling-Hammond, Hyler, & Gardner, 2017).

However, not all professional development is created equal. One-off workshops don’t drive lasting change. Instead, professional learning must be collaborative, ongoing, and directly tied to the challenges teachers and school leaders face daily (Hill & Papay, 2022). Schools that prioritize this kind of meaningful development create stronger educators, more effective leadership, and better student outcomes.

A critical piece of this process is evaluation. Education expert Thomas Guskey (2024) emphasizes that professional development should be designed with student success in mind. His work reinforces the importance of measuring the impact of professional learning—not just in terms of participation, but in real-world application and student performance.

The role of school leaders is just as important. When principals engage in high-quality professional learning, their leadership strengthens, teacher retention improves, and schools see higher levels of student success (Darling-Hammond, Wechsler, Levin, Leung-Gagné, & Tozer, 2022).

Effective professional development is about more than just attending training sessions—it’s about building a culture of continuous learning that transforms classrooms, schools, and entire communities.

Why Professional Development Matters

Investing in professional development benefits both educators and students. Studies show that continuous, research-backed training enhances teacher effectiveness, which directly impacts student learning and achievement. Well-trained teachers are better equipped to address diverse student needs, implement evidence-based instructional strategies, and adapt to evolving educational standards.

For principals and school leaders, professional development ensures they can effectively support their teaching staff, manage school improvement initiatives, and create a positive school climate that fosters student success. Research highlights that strong instructional leadership can significantly impact school-wide academic achievement and teacher retention.

The Impact of High-Quality Professional Development

Improved Student Outcomes – Schools that invest in ongoing teacher training see higher student achievement and engagement (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017).
Increased Teacher Confidence and Retention – Educators who receive ongoing support and training feel more prepared and are more likely to remain in the profession (Hill & Papay, 2022).
Enhanced Instructional Practices – Teachers learn new strategies to differentiate instruction, engage students, and assess learning effectively.
School-Wide Improvement – Principals who receive leadership development training create stronger learning environments, leading to overall school success (Wallace Foundation, 2022).

How Professional Development is Effectively Implemented

A well-designed professional development program involves multiple components to ensure long-term impact. Schools and districts that successfully integrate effective PD follow these key strategies:

1. Backward Planning and Goal-Setting

Guskey (2024) emphasizes the importance of backward planning when designing professional development programs. Instead of starting with training topics, educators and leaders should begin with the desired student learning outcomes and then work backward to identify:

The instructional strategies needed to achieve those outcomes.
The organizational supports required to implement these strategies.
The professional learning experiences needed to equip teachers with necessary skills.
The best methods for measuring progress and evaluating impact.

By starting with clear student achievement goals and aligning professional learning accordingly, schools can ensure their investment in professional development leads to measurable improvements.

2. Ongoing Support and Coaching

Effective PD does not end after a single workshop. Schools that integrate ongoing coaching and mentoring see the most significant improvements in teacher effectiveness. Research suggests that teachers who receive sustained coaching are more likely to apply new instructional strategies and improve student outcomes (Hill & Papay, 2022). Instructional coaches provide teachers with personalized feedback, model effective teaching practices, and support educators in applying new skills in their classrooms (Guskey, 2024).

3. Collaborative Learning Environments

Professional learning communities (PLCs) are a crucial component of effective PD. PLCs encourage collaboration, allowing teachers to discuss instructional challenges, share best practices, and reflect on their experiences. Research shows that teachers who engage in collaborative learning improve their instructional strategies faster than those who work in isolation (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017). Schools with strong PLCs see higher levels of teacher satisfaction and student engagement (Hill & Papay, 2022).

4. Practical, Job-Embedded Learning

One of the most effective approaches to professional development is job-embedded learning, where educators practice new strategies in real classroom settings. This includes:

Lesson study models, where teachers co-plan, observe, and refine lessons.
Action research projects, where educators test new strategies and analyze their effectiveness.
Micro-teaching sessions, where teachers practice techniques and receive feedback from peers and mentors.

Studies indicate that job-embedded learning leads to higher retention of professional development concepts and more effective classroom implementation (Guskey, 2024).

How FIRST Educational Resources Supports Professional Development

At FIRST Educational Resources, we provide structured, research-based professional development programs tailored to the specific needs of educators and school leaders. Through our specialized centers, we address key aspects of professional learning and ensure lasting impact.

1. Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Center

Our PLC Center provides schools with the resources and training necessary to implement and sustain high-functioning Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that drive instructional improvement.

Creating a Culture of Collaboration – We guide educators in establishing collaborative team structures that focus on improving student achievement.
Data-Driven Decision Making – We support schools in using student data to inform instructional decisions and tailor interventions.
Sustained Learning Cycles – Our approach integrates job-embedded learning, coaching, and follow-up support to ensure long-term success.

2. Standards-Based Assessment and Grading (STAGR) Center

Our STAGR Center (Standards, Target, Assessment, Grading and Reporting) assists schools in shifting from traditional grading models to standards-based assessment and grading, ensuring that assessment practices support learning.

Redefining Grading Practices – We work with schools to implement consistent, research-backed grading policies that accurately reflect student progress.
Professional Learning on Assessments – We provide teachers with strategies to create meaningful assessments that drive instruction.
Transparent Communication – Our workshops help educators and administrators effectively communicate grading policies to students and parents.

3. Literacy Center

Our Literacy Center is dedicated to enhancing literacy instruction through research-based reading and writing strategies.
Building Strong Foundations in Literacy – We train educators to implement effective phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies.

Disciplinary Literacy Support – Our experts guide teachers in incorporating literacy strategies into subject-area instruction.
Writing Across the Curriculum – We help schools implement structured writing frameworks that improve student communication skills across all subjects.

4. Jenni Donohoo Collective Efficacy Center

Our Collective Efficacy Center focuses on strengthening teacher collaboration and building a shared belief in their collective ability to impact student learning positively, over and above the outside influences students they carry with them into the classroom.

Developing High-Impact Teacher Teams – We provide structured support for educators to engage in reflective discussions, goal-setting, and shared problem-solving.
Measuring and Enhancing Collective Efficacy – Our framework includes tools for assessing staff perceptions of efficacy and strategies for increasing collaboration and accountability.
Leadership Development for Stronger Collaboration – We train school leaders on how to foster a culture of trust, shared responsibility, and high expectations.

5. Instructional Coaching Center

The Instructional Coaching Center is designed to build coaching capacity in schools, ensuring that teachers receive personalized, on-the-job support.
Developing Effective Instructional Coaches – We train instructional leaders in evidence-based coaching models to maximize teacher growth.

Job-Embedded Coaching Cycles – Our programs emphasize ongoing, classroom-based coaching sessions tailored to individual teacher needs.
Enhancing Teacher Reflection and Growth – We use structured observation and feedback protocols to help teachers refine their instructional strategies.

6. Math Center

The Math Center provides teachers with high-quality math professional development aimed at improving conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
Research-Based Math Instructional Strategies – We help educators implement effective math teaching techniques that enhance student learning.

Improving Mathematical Discourse – Our training focuses on engaging students in rich mathematical discussions to deepen understanding.
Curriculum Alignment – We support schools in aligning math instruction with state and national standards.

7. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – AESEL Center

The AESEL Center (Academics, Environment, Social Emotional Learning) equips educators with the tools to integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into classroom instruction, fostering student well-being and academic success.

Developing Student Resilience and Self-Regulation – We train educators in practical strategies to support emotional development in students.
Building a Positive School Culture – Our programs provide school-wide approaches for creating inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Integrating SEL into Core Instruction – We help teachers embed SEL competencies into daily lesson plans across subjects.

Customized Professional Development: Tailored to Every School’s Unique Needs

No two schools or districts are the same. At FIRST Educational Resources, we recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach to professional development is ineffective. That’s why we specialize in customized, responsive professional learning experiences designed to meet the specific needs of each district, school, and educator we serve.

Needs Assessments – Conducting surveys, reviewing student performance data, and gathering educator feedback to identify professional learning priorities.
Collaborative Planning – Engaging school and district leaders in conversations about existing instructional practices, desired outcomes, and implementation strategies.
Flexible Learning Models – Designing on-site, virtual, or hybrid professional development opportunities based on educator schedules, district initiatives, and instructional goals.

We are committed to sustained professional learning that fosters long-term improvement. By providing continuous coaching, leadership support, and customized action plans, we help schools integrate professional development into their daily instructional practices.

Works Cited

Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. (2017). Effective Teacher Professional Development. Learning Policy Institute.
Darling-Hammond, L., Wechsler, M. E., Levin, S., Leung-Gagné, M., & Tozer, S. (2022). Developing Effective Principals: What Kind of Learning Matters? Learning Policy Institute.
Guskey, T. R. (2024). Evaluating Professional Learning: Applying a Backward Planning Model for Meaningful Impact. Learning Policy Institute.
Hill, H. C., & Papay, J. P. (2022). Building Better Professional Learning: How to Strengthen Teacher Learning. Research Partnership for Professional Learning.
Wallace Foundation. (2022). The Role of Principals in Student Achievement: Effective Leadership Practices for School Success.