Making time…

I recently hosted a professional learning day and we spent part of the session exploring what is meant by high quality professional learning (HQPL). We leaned into a resource provided by CCSSO (2023) which highlighted several considerations for continued learning of educators.

We spent some time specifically caught on one aspect of these recommendations, “deploying professional learning resources strategically and equitably, including dedicating time in the master schedule and calendar for collaborative planning and learning (more than 50 hours a year is recommended)”. As you can imagine, the reference to 50 hours a year is what caught the leaders’ attention. Where can they find 50 hours a year for professional learning?

Not a simple question and not a simple answer. This requires creativity and thoughtful planning. This starts first with establishing a clear strategy around professional learning—is it something you value as a leader? If so, then we make the time. As we explored this as a group, we considered how learning can be in staff meetings, PLCs and as simple as targeted hallway conversations offering feedback and support intermittently. Again, it may be difficult to achieve 50 hours, but it is possible with concerted effort to provide the level of support needed. Educators want to be successful and continued learning offers the support needed to achieve that success.

Link to HQPL resource:

https://learning.ccsso.org/high-quality-professional-development