Stop Wasting PD: 7 Ways to Make Professional Learning Actually Work #237

In this episode of Empowered Educator, you’ll rethink traditional “sit-and-get” PD and learn how to design professional learning that actually changes classroom practice. You’ll walk away with a simple, 7-question leader checklist you can use before you approve or plan your next PD session, so you stop running events and start building a learning culture for your staff.

For the full written article, including all seven questions and key ideas, grab the companion post here: Stop Wasting PD: Professional Learning That Stick

In This Episode, You’ll Learn How To:

• Focus PD on clear student outcomes and specific instructional moves.
• Treat teachers as adult learners with voice, choice, and real relevance.
• Make learning job-embedded through PLCs, coaching, and team time.
• Shift from “sit-and-get” to active, practice-based learning.
• Use microlearning and short “PD sprints” instead of marathons.
• Build in coaching and feedback so new strategies actually stick.
• Plan PD as a series over time, not a one-off event.

One Simple Action Step
Before your next PD, run it through the 7-question PD Check from this episode (and the article linked above). If you can’t answer at least five questions clearly and specifically, revise the plan before you put it on the calendar.