The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.
—William James
Ms. Joy, a veteran teacher with two decades of classroom experience, closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. She had just finished grading a towering stack of papers, her pen leaving behind trails of encouraging comments. Her classroom was quiet now, the students having left for the day, their laughter still echoing faintly in the hallways. She glanced at the clock on the wall, its ticking a steady reminder of the hours slipping away. The next email notification caught her attention, and she opened it reluctantly, her weariness turning into a pang of dread.
“Mandatory Professional Development Day—All Staff Required to Attend”
The phrase alone made her shoulders droop with an invisible weight. She knew what these days entailed: endless PowerPoint slides, buzzwords that faded as quickly as they came, and a checklist of ideas that rarely translated into her real-world teaching experience. The thought of spending another day away from her students and lesson plans, stuck in yet another professional development session, felt like an unwelcome distraction, a detour from the path she knew so well.
Does this sound familiar? We don’t have to let the words professional development ride on a cloud of doom; instead, they can soar on wings of opportunity and growth.
It’s All in the Delivery!
Imagine your staff members receiving a beautifully crafted invitation that warmly invites you to an enriching day of learning and growth, rather than a dry, mandatory email notice. Be sure your invitation includes the agenda for the PD session, and keep the needed supplies to a minimum.
An agenda communicates the structure of the session, and including it with the invitation can reduce anxiety about the unknown and help people feel more comfortable and ready to participate. They can identify when and how they will have opportunities to engage, ask questions, or contribute to discussions, increasing their involvement.
Arriving at the session without the burden of carrying supplies allows teachers to enter the space more relaxed and at ease, enhancing their overall comfort. Knowing that everything they need will be provided removes the stress of having to remember or gather materials.
This approach sets a positive tone from the outset, making the experience feel special and valued. An invitation implies that this is an event worth your time and attention, filled with opportunities to gain new insights, share ideas, and engage with colleagues in a meaningful way. It conveys respect for your time and enthusiasm for your participation, fostering a sense of anticipation and eagerness for the professional development ahead. This small change in delivery can transform the entire experience, making it something to look forward to rather than just another item on your to-do list.
Welcome. I am so glad you are here!
Now that you have their attention, it is time to set the stage. The success of your professional development session begins at the door! Picture entering a training session where, upon arrival, you are greeted with a genuine smile. The pleasant sound of light, upbeat instrumental music fills the room, creating a soothing and enjoyable background. There is a crackling fire “burning” on the BenQ board. A treat is thoughtfully arranged in your honor—donuts, chocolate, sodas (teachers are easy to please). The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making you feel instantly comfortable and appreciated.
By focusing on these welcoming elements, you can create an environment that not only makes attendees feel at ease and valued but also sets the stage for a positive, productive, and enjoyable experience.
Foster Trust!
Launch the professional development by framing the work to be done and sharing the norms. Norms create a structured, inclusive, and supportive environment that acknowledges and values each participant’s needs, contributions, and individuality. Framing the work reduces uncertainty, increases confidence, and shows respect for the allotted time. Time is a limited and precious resource. The way time is spent reflects priorities and values. Establishing norms shows respect for the finite amount of time teachers have each day. Demonstrating respect for the time at the outset helps build trust between the facilitators and participants.
When you know you are valued, everything changes. You are empowered to take on challenges and bring your best self to the work at hand. It instills a sense of confidence and purpose, motivating you to strive for excellence and to go above and beyond in your work.
