How to Establish Sustainable Virtual Professional Development for Your Educators

At the beginning of the pandemic, campuses and teachers were forced into online learning that relied heavily on their technology skills. Since that time, in-person school has resumed but many of the online tools and virtual teaching techniques have stayed in place.

With the increase in so many new ways to learn, there is never a better time for educators to utilize virtual professional development. Educators are grasping new knowledge about virtual learning tools as well as developing remote teaching techniques. Equipping educators with the skills to teach with these tools gives students a better chance at long-term academic success.

Use the 3 steps below to establish sustainable virtual professional development for your district that takes learning to the next level.

Discover 3 Steps for Sustainable Virtual Professional Development

1) Understand effective teaching and why it’s so important for your schools.

Educators across the globe can agree that their primary goal is to help students. Effective virtual professional development provides educators with a structured plan of action to make that happen. It focuses on classroom instruction and uses research-based content. This assists educators in succeeding at what they do best.

Data from the Economic Policy Institute shows that more than 50 percent of teachers do not feel sufficiently supported, and nearly 25 percent of those teachers consider leaving teaching as a result. According to a survey from the University of Phoenix, teachers felt even more unprepared when the pandemic hit and schools were forced to implement several online-learning tools at once.

There is a strong correlation between effective teaching and student success. Classroom teachers need not feel like a stranger to virtual professional development. Supportive virtual professional development allows them to access the technology anywhere at any time. They don’t have to wait to get the coaching to succeed and feel empowered.

2) Choose virtual professional development that is customizable to your district’s needs.

Determine what your district needs as a whole. From there choose virtual professional development that will empower and support school and district leaders as well as classroom instructors.

“Personalized professional development provides a learning experience that is relevant to the organization at that time,” said Joshua Perdomo, director of English learner services and world languages at Community Unit School District 300 in Illinois. “It meets the individuals where they currently are. We always have something else we could be doing, so making our time worthwhile is essential.”

Istation’s virtual learning coaches are former educators who possess real-world instructional experience. They create customized, hands-on workshops to help your district navigate resources and implement best practices and approaches that are meaningful for classroom educators. Read about 5 factors for choosing the best professional development solution for your school here.

3) Develop clear communication around attainable goals across your district.

A district that communicates effectively teaches effectively. Clear and attainable goals minimize miscommunication. Effective, virtual professional development includes clear communication that drives measurable learning for students.

Both teachers and administrators should be involved in developing the vision, language, and tools to observe, analyze, and lead classroom instruction. Strong professional development will support their involvement.

In conclusion, sustainable virtual professional development has the ability to unlock learning potential for district administrators, campus leaders, and teachers through the use of integrated tools. Learn more about Istation’s customizable professional development opportunities that are designed for the unique training needs of each district and school.