Opinion Blog

Classroom Q&A

With Larry Ferlazzo

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to lferlazzo@epe.org. Read more from this blog.

Professional Development Opinion

What’s the Best Professional-Development Advice? Teachers and Students Have Their Say

By Larry Ferlazzo — September 02, 2022 6 min read
a group of people water a lightbulb plant, nurturing an idea
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

During the summer, I am sharing thematic posts bringing together responses on similar topics from the past 11 years. You can see all those collections from the first 10 years here.

Today’s theme is Professional Development.

You can see the list following this excerpt from one of the posts:

investingsharos

1. In 6 Words, More Teaching Advice

Ponder this gem: “Want respect? Respect your students first.” Read more.

2. Advice From Teachers in 7 Words or Less

Common sense and simplicity are at the heart of the best advice. Read more.

3. How to Build Your Own Professional Development

The authors of a self-directed learning guide for educators of multilingual learners talk about how teachers can hone their craft. Read more.

4. Want Successful Professional Development? Try Promoting Curiosity

Some hallmarks of fruitful PD include partnering with colleagues and asking students to take part. Read more.

5. The Importance of ‘Learner-Centered’ Professional Development

The best PD sessions help teachers learn by doing and steer clear of sit-and-get presentations. Read more.

6. Professional Development Doesn’t Have to Be Boring and Painful

Students and subject-matter experts offer some of the best professional development. Read more.

7. Advice for New Middle School Teachers From Four Veterans

Emphasizing relationships with students and teacher self-care, along with showing love, are some pieces of advice from veterans. Read more.

8. Think Like This: Students Have the Best of Intentions

Students have taught teachers not to assume students’ aims are bad, humor and compassion are to be valued, and status doesn’t impress them. Read more.

9. Want Great Life Lessons? Pay Attention to Students

Being more aware of privilege, talking less, and taking time to make judgments are a few lessons students have taught teachers. Read more.

10. A Lesson From Students: Believe Success Is Possible for Every Learner

Believe in the potential greatness of every student and don’t make assumptions are two takeaways teachers have learned from their students. Read more.

More Q&A posts about professional development:


Explore other thematic posts:

Related Tags:

The opinions expressed in Classroom Q&A With Larry Ferlazzo are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Special Education Webinar
Hidden Costs of Special Ed Vacancies: Solutions for Your District
When provider vacancies hit, students feel it first. Hear what district leaders are doing to keep IEP-related services on track.
Content provided by Huddle Up
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Privacy & Security Webinar
How Technology Is Reshaping Childhood
How do we protect kids online while embracing innovation? Learn about navigating safety, privacy, and opportunity in the Digital Age.
Content provided by Connect x Protect
Budget & Finance Webinar Creative Approaches to K-12 Budget Realities
What are districts prioritizing in 2026? New survey data reveals emerging K-12 budgeting trends.

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Professional Development Lessons Learned About Effective Professional Development for Principals
The best professional development for principals has a lot in common with the best PD for teachers.
7 min read
4 Principals need PD too DEF
Edmon de Haro for Education Week
Professional Development How a District Stopped Relying on 'One-and-Done' Professional Development
As its population of English learners grew, a district invested in coaching and co-teaching.
8 min read
Two teachers meet at a table in an office with their instructional coach.
Olga Dietz and Glenda McKinney meet with coach Jenna Davis (center) at Mt. View Elementary School in Antioch, Tenn. Dietz and McKinney, teachers of English learners, co-teach kindergarten classes with general education colleagues. Regular coaching is one element of what research has shown makes professional development effective.
William DeShazer for Education Week
Professional Development A Federal Fund for Professional Development Is Clouded by Uncertainty
President Trump has repeatedly proposed axing the feds' biggest investment in professional development.
8 min read
3 Funding outlook for PD DEF
Edmon de Haro for Education Week
Professional Development When Should Schools Make Time for PD? What Educators—and Families—Think
Educators see in-service and early-release days as practical times for PD. Families don't always agree.
4 min read