With teaching being an ever-growing market, it can be hard to stay ahead of the curb! We here at Teaching Expertise recognize how demotivating that can be. So, we’ve pulled together 25 professional development ideas to help you get savvy this Summer. With things like doing a short course in project management training to joining a fun-loving book club, the options are endless! Follow along as we unpack each one and help you find a new niche!
1. Attending Education Conferences
Picture yourself stepping into a hub of innovation- a place where educators converge to share insights, learn about cutting-edge teaching strategies and explore the latest industry trends. You’ll not only take home a wealth of knowledge but also a network of peers from across the globe who can become your lifelong learning partners. Check out your local education conference options to find one near you or, alternatively, attend one online!
Learn More: RSC Education
2. Curriculum Development Workshops
Wouldn’t it be great to kick off the next academic year with a refreshing curriculum? These types of workshops give you the platform to refine or redesign your curriculum. Better than this? They’re backed by the latest educational research! You’ll dive into things like backward design, learner differentiation, and authentic assessment. Expect an energized classroom when you bring your revamped curriculum to life!
Learn More: UNESDOC
3. Online Course in New Technology
Struggling to keep up with the digital natives? Consider taking an online course to help you rediscover technology in a new way. With this tool seeping into every aspect of education, it’s time to gear up. Online courses in new technology can help bring you up to speed in terms of the latest trends. From tapping into the uses of collaborative online platforms to learning about interactive assessment tools, you’ll be introduced to a wealth of knowledge and learn how to seamlessly integrate these elements into your teaching.
Learn More: Full Fabric
4. Project-Based Learning Training
It’s time to swap traditional lecturing for something more engaging. Imagine a classroom where students actively build their knowledge, solve real-world problems, and collaborate in meaningful ways. Those are the benefits of project-based learning (PBL). This training program will equip you with skills to guide students in PBL activities- ultimately transforming your classroom into an innovative learning lab.
Learn More: Europass Teacher Academy
5. Pedagogical Workshops
Ever wondered how to flip your classroom or facilitate peer instruction? Pedagogical workshops demystify new teaching methods and approaches; giving you a variety of strategies to engage your students. Apart from getting hands-on experience with different methodologies, you’ll learn how to choose the best one to suit your learning objectives and students!
Learn More: University of South Carolina
6. Participation in Book Clubs
Book clubs aren’t just about reading and discussing educational literature- they’re also about creating a community of lifelong learners. By interacting with people from different walks of life, you can gain new perspectives on teaching as you listen to their different insights and experiences. Are you ready to turn the page on your professional development journey? Consider participating in a book club!
Learn More: Dominican Online
7. First Aid and CPR Training
As an educator, student safety should always be your top priority. Equipping you with essential first aid and CPR skills, and giving you the confidence to respond to emergencies effectively, first aid or CPR programs could be just the course for you! You’ll walk out knowing how to handle everything from scrapes and sprains to potentially life-threatening situations.
Learn More: Barrington Group
8. Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses
In our diverse classrooms, ESL teaching skills have never been more important. ESL courses give you the tools to support your second language learners. You’ll learn about techniques like scaffolding and differentiated instruction- essentially becoming a bridge to a new language and culture for your students.
Learn More: Good Universities Guide
9. Special Education Training
Want to help all learners, regardless of their abilities, feel seen, heard, and supported? That’s the power of inclusive education. By undergoing special education training, you’ll learn how to tailor your teaching to accommodate pupils with diverse learning needs; equipping you to help each one reach their full potential.
Learn More: Pacific Oaks College
10. STEM Education Workshops
What student doesn’t love building robots, conducting experiments, and solving real-world problems. That’s STEM education in action! If this topic excites you, you may just benefit from partaking in a STEM workshop. You’ll gain the necessary confidence and resources to immerse your students in the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. So, best prepare to ignite sparks of innovation in your classroom!
Learn More: Steve Spangler
11. Leadership Skills Seminar
Envision yourself inspiring your colleagues, driving positive change in your school, and shaping the future of education. By attending a leadership skills seminar, you can explore the qualities of effective leadership and gain practical strategies for school administration. Get ready to take the leap from educator to educational leader!
Learn More: Magna Publications
12. Grant Writing Workshop
Imagine the excitement in your student’s eyes as they unwrap new classroom resources- made possible by a successful grant you wrote. In grant writing workshops, you’ll learn how to craft persuasive grant proposals to secure funding for special projects or classroom resources.
Learn More: FLLS
13. Child Psychology Courses
Ever wondered why your students behave the way they do? Child psychology courses can help you peer into their minds for a better understanding. You’ll gain insights into developmental stages, learning styles, and factors affecting student behavior. Furthermore, you’ll be able to tailor your teaching strategies to better suit their psychological needs.
Learn More: Study.com
14. Digital Literacy Training
Envision a classroom where every student is a digital citizen- each one of them equipped with the skills to navigate the online world responsibly. With digital literacy training, you’ll gain the know-how to be able to integrate digital skills into your teaching and foster a healthy digital culture. Get ready to connect, collaborate, and create in the digital age!
Learn More: Wise Consulting Finland
15. Data Analysis Seminar
Need to be able to predict student performance trends, identify gaps in learning, and personalize instruction? Consider attending a data analysis seminar! There, you’ll learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret student data to inform your teaching strategies.
Learn More: The Teachers Training
16. Mindfulness Training for Teachers
Picture starting each class with a moment of calm- a time where both you and your have a moment to pause, refocus, and get ready to learn. Mindfulness training can help you manage stress, cultivate emotional balance, and create a more positive learning environment for both yourself and your students.
Learn More: Zenways
17. Classroom Management Workshop
Ever dreamed of a classroom where every student is engaged, respectful, and on task? Make it a reality by engaging in a classroom management workshop to better the efficiency and effectiveness of workflow. In these workshops, you’ll learn strategies that can guide you in your endeavors to set clear expectations, foster positive behavior, and respond to disruptions.
Learn More: 1Training
18. Instructional Design Course
Gear up to design learning experiences that are bound to leave a lasting impact. By undertaking an instructional design course, you’ll be better able to captivate your students, pique their curiosity, and deepen their understanding. These courses promise to guide you in creating effective lesson plans and learning activities; both of which you can tailor to your students’ needs and learning styles.
Learn More: Teacher Transition
19. Diversity and Inclusion Training
Regardless of their background, you should strive to create a classroom where every student feels valued, understood, and included. Diversity and Inclusion Training can provide you with strategies needed to cultivate an inclusive classroom, foster cross-cultural understanding, and respect individual differences.
Learn More: Talent LMS
20. Coding Workshop for Educators
By attending a coding workshop, you can gain a basic understanding of programming that can be incorporated into various subjects. With this knowledge to fall back on, you can assist your students as they crack codes, create games, and even design their very own websites!
Learn More: YouTube
21. Environmental Education Seminar
In this day and age, it’s important to equip our kiddos with the knowledge and passion needed to protect our planet. Environmental education seminars are available and will be able to provide you with resources to teach your students about environmental issues, sustainability, and conservation.
Learn More: Project Learning Tree
22. School Counseling Course
A school counseling course could be just the thing you need to help your students navigate academic, social, and personal challenges. By taking such a course, you’ll learn more about student guidance and counseling strategies and be able to provide the support your students need, when they need it.
Learn More: Teacher Training Courses
23. Art Integration Workshop
Keen on coloring outside the lines and bringing more creativity to your curriculum? Here, math meets painting, history meets drama, and science meets sculpture. Art integration workshops can help you blend art into different subjects and enhance creativity and engagement.
Learn More: United Arts Council
24. Physical Education (PE) Workshop
PE classes are generally filled with laughter, team spirit, and active bodies. Physical Education workshops can introduce new games, activities, and strategies to help you further improve your sessions. Get ready to inspire a love for physical activity in your students!
Learn More: Move Strong
25. Music Education Workshop
Ready to strike a chord with your students? Regardless of the subject you teach, a music education workshop can provide you with strategies to integrate music into your methods. Your learners could simply be humming to the rhythm of multiplication tables or doing something more intricate like composing a song about the solar system!
Learn More: Carnegie Hall
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