Challenge
As an instructional coach for my district, part of my job includes designing professional learning experiences for our teachers. Also, the heart of the coaching process is also personalized professional learning. However, the challenge we are facing is that teachers are not engaging in professional learning like they used to do. When given the chance, many teachers opt out of whole-group presentation-style learning. We have tried offering learning choices, including podcasts and book studies, but have had mixed results. For documentation purposes for our state, this becomes very labor-intensive behind the scenes. Also, it is difficult to ensure that teachers are engaging with the learning at a high level. When the learning is shifted to more of an independent session, we lose out on the opportunities for teacher collaboration. Additionally, we struggle to have teachers engage in meaningful coaching work. This could be a powerful alternative to more traditional professional learning, but teachers are resistant to meeting with us during times they have designated for their own planning. Finding ways to meet teachers where they are matters because an important part of being an effective teacher includes continually improving teaching practices through high-quality professional learning. We need to find ways to engage teachers in professional learning that includes opportunities for collaboration in order to continue to provide the educational experience our students deserve. If we can find ways to build opportunities for connection and collaboration with our teachers, this can also help them feel supported as teachers. Their voice is being included throughout the process. Teachers who feel supported are more likely to stay in the profession and can further contribute to the professional learning of their peers.