The most effective professional development for teachers doesn’t usually happen when educators are sitting in rows, watching slides, or jotting notes in a workbook. It happens afterward—in hallway conversations, in classrooms the next morning, and during those quiet moments when someone wonders, “Okay, how do I actually put this into practice?”
That’s the part I stay for.
-by Dr. Tim Grivois, Executive Director
Because if we truly believe in effective professional development for teachers, we have to care just as deeply about what happens after the workshop as we do about the workshop itself. Slides and handouts can inspire, but lasting change needs ongoing support. And those of us privileged enough to lead PD have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to be there when teachers need us most.
The Myth of One-and-Done PD Sessions: The Opposite of Effective Professional Development for Teachers
Too often, professional development feels like a one-time event. We gather, we learn, and then we move on to the next thing. But effective professional development for teachers is never a quick fix or a magic switch. It’s an intentional, thoughtful process.
Educators need time to experiment with new ideas, to reflect honestly on what’s working and what’s not, and to adjust strategies to fit their unique context. When we treat PD as a standalone event, we’re unintentionally placing yet another burden on teachers who already have enough to juggle.
That’s why I don’t believe in one-and-done sessions. Instead, I believe in supporting teachers through the entire journey of implementation.
Why the “In-Between” Matters Most
After the initial excitement of a PD session fades, that’s when the real learning begins. Teachers start to have questions, encounter obstacles, and recognize which tools fit their classrooms and which ones don’t.
These in-between moments—filled with curiosity, reflection, and vulnerability—are exactly where I show up. Effective professional development for teachers means being present in these crucial moments. It’s about helping educators feel supported, seen, and understood as they bravely navigate change.
What Support Actually Looks Like After PD
Teachers don’t need more tasks. They need practical help. Rather than expecting them to reinvent every wheel, I collaborate with them. Together, we format anchor charts, create visual supports, and build tools that reflect their school’s unique culture. It’s about preserving teachers’ energy for the real work—helping students thrive.
Here’s how follow-up support can look in practice:
- Hosting co-working sessions to develop practical tools together.
- Offering office hours where teachers can bring real-life questions or challenges.
- Providing thoughtful feedback on strategies, routines, and school-wide practices.
- Assisting hands-on with implementing programs such as Check-In/Check-Out or PBIS recognition systems.
Effective professional development for teachers isn’t just about providing good ideas—it’s about partnering with teachers as they turn those ideas into reality.
Making Follow-Up Support a Core Part of Effective Professional Development for Teachers
Follow-up shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be baked into the plan from the beginning. Every time I work with schools and districts, I’m thinking carefully about how I’ll continue to show up once the session ends.
If you’re responsible for PD planning, here are some key questions you can ask yourself:
- How will we check in on teachers’ progress after the session?
- Who can provide practical support or answer implementation questions?
- How do we make sure educators have what they need to put new learning into practice?
- What routines can we establish to regularly celebrate progress and tackle challenges?
When we shift our mindset from professional development as an isolated event to an ongoing journey, we’re far more likely to see meaningful, lasting impact.
We Can Do Better Than One-and-Done
I never want teachers, schools, or districts to feel they have to figure things out alone after PD. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Those of us fortunate enough to lead PD can choose to do better.
Effective professional development for teachers doesn’t end when the session concludes. It’s a continuous process that unfolds in classrooms, team meetings, and reflective conversations. It’s the thoughtful, caring follow-up support that empowers educators to confidently make changes.
And that’s exactly where I’ll be—right there with you, in the in-between.