Instead, what if we allowed teachers to follow their own learning paths and focus on planning the best lessons and activities for their students? How might teachers demonstrate their learning over the course of that year? Is there a building-wide tool that could used for sharing? Individuals could create monthly/yearly learning plans where they set their own benchmarks on how they are continuing their own education that aligns with school and district goals.

By killing mandated professional development, we are truly modeling an authentic learning process for our students.

Photo credit: Alan Levine