Shaping the Future of Professional Development
Why We Must Rethink Our Approach
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February 2, 2025
Leah Griggs
On this page of my portfolio, I am presenting my work advocating for a shift in professional learning (PL) from the traditional “sit and get” model to a more dynamic “go & show” approach. Through a persuasive presentation, I highlight the importance of adopting this new model, incorporating key principles of effective PL. This project demonstrates my ability to research, design impactful content, and reflect on my creative process, all while considering the needs of my audience. It showcases my leadership in driving educational change and fostering a culture of continuous professional growth.
The Promise of Change:
Why the “Go & Show” Model is Essential
The new model is all about targeted, ongoing support, active engagement, and sustained growth. These are the key factors that will actually help teachers improve their practice and lead to better outcomes for students. Plus, all these elements are backed by solid research. By embracing this new approach, we can empower teachers, boost student outcomes, and transform our institution for the future.
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Changing the approach isn’t just a nice idea—it’s an investment in teacher growth and student success. If we want both teachers and students to thrive, we’ve got to shift our focus and resources to something that really works.
The Risk of Delay: What We Stand to Lose
If we do not transition to this new model of professional learning, we risk losing several opportunities:
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Teacher Engagement and Retention
Without meaningful, ongoing support and opportunities for active engagement, teachers may feel disconnected from their own professional growth, leading to burnout and attrition. -
Improved Student Outcomes
Without a strong professional learning model, teachers may struggle to adopt best practices, ultimately limiting student learning and achievement. Research supports that teacher effectiveness is the most significant factor in student success (Gulamhussein, 2013).
3. Collaboration and Innovation
Teachers who are not encouraged to collaborate and share ideas may miss out on opportunities for innovation. Without the “go and show” model’s emphasis on peer support and teamwork, new ideas and strategies could remain siloed and underutilized. Peer learning encourages collaborative learning among instructors to share insights, challenges, and successes as they implement new strategies together.
BHAG 3-Column Table
The Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) of this Professional Learning Plan is to create a transformative professional development experience, encouraging faculty to seamlessly combine blended learning into their teaching methods. This will enable faculty to better meet the diverse needs of their students and drive lasting improvements in educational outcomes. The 3-Column Table framework will break down the learning objectives into measurable goals, activities, and assessments, while the Understanding by Design (UbD) model will guide the backward design of the professional learning sessions, ensuring each activity is purposeful and aligned with the overarching goals
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WHY WE MUST ACT NOW
​In conclusion, transitioning to the "go and show" model of professional learning is not only necessary but urgent. Research and literature make it clear that passive, one-time workshops are ineffective at creating lasting change in teaching practices. By embracing a model that prioritizes ongoing support, active engagement, modeling, and discipline-specific content, we can empower teachers to improve their practice, enhance student outcomes, and foster a collaborative culture of continuous learning. The "go and show" model provides the necessary tools and structures for teachers to succeed, and its implementation is crucial for the future of our organization.
We Can’t Afford to Wait
Continuing with the current professional learning model will only keep us stuck in a cycle of ineffective development. We have the chance to make a real change now.
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Together, We Can Drive Change
By embracing this new model, we can empower teachers, boost student outcomes, and transform our organization for the future.
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Take Action Today
Let’s move forward with a clear plan, starting with engaging stakeholders, piloting the new model, and ensuring that we have the ongoing support teachers need.
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A Brighter Future Awaits
With this shift, we’ll create a sustainable, growth-focused environment for everyone—teachers, students, and the organization as a whole.
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Closing Thought
Let’s take the next step and make this vision a reality. Together, we can build a future where professional learning truly empowers teachers and helps students succeed.
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The time to act is now!