Rethinking PD: Why Teachers Deserve What We Expect them to Give

Rethinking PD: Why Teachers Deserve What We Expect Them to Give

Professional development has the potential to be transformative—but too often, it misses the mark.

Instead of inspiring curiosity and growth, it can feel like just another item on the checklist. But what if we flipped that? What if professional learning became something teachers genuinely looked forward to?

From Mandate to Momentum

When I planned my first professional development session as principal of a multi-site Pre-K program, I made one thing clear to myself: no one was going to dread this day.

Everything was intentional—from how the room was arranged, to the pacing of the day, to the prizes we used to energize the space. I even strategized around one common challenge: staff tend to sit with their “home site” colleagues. That’s understandable—but if we’re serious about breaking silos and building a unified culture, then that habit needed a gentle nudge.

So, we built in movement and playful seating transitions. One prompt asked participants to sit at the table for the month of their birthday.

I’ll never forget a paraprofessional who paused in the middle of the room, scanning the tables with a half-smile. “Wait—what is this?” she asked, amused and curious. That small moment stuck with me. It wasn’t just about moving seats. It was about creating surprise, connection, and joy in a space that usually feels rigid.

The glimmer in her eye was the same spark we see in students when they’re invited into learning that’s playful and meaningful. Why shouldn’t educators feel that same joy?

If We Want Joyful Classrooms, We Need Joyful Educators

Let’s be real—running a full-day PD is no small feat. Attention spans fade. Energy dips. Phones come out. But when we design PD that’s engaging, social, and relevant, we’re not just delivering content—we’re modeling how learning should feel.

When teachers laugh, move, and connect with peers outside their usual circles, they’re not just participants—they’re partners. These are the exact same conditions we try to create for students every day.

So why do we deprive teachers of them?

Adult Learning Shapes School Culture

The most transformative school cultures are built by leaders who recognize this truth: how we treat adult learners sets the tone for how adults treat student learners.