Teacher PD

How teachers improve their instructional practices by earning credentials, receiving coaching, attending conferences, and collaborating

Explainer

Teacher Professional Development, Explained
What counts as PD? And is it effective? EdWeek breaks down current trends—and new research—in this explainer.
Collaged image of the pathways and guidelines of AI policy.
Stephanie Dalton Cowan for Education Week
Artificial Intelligence How School Districts Are Crafting AI Policy on the Fly
It's a struggle to create guidelines that keep up with rapid advances in the technology.
8 min read
Students in Mary Rodgers' 12th grade honors English class use AI to help craft an engaging thesis statement for a college admissions essay on Sept. 23, 2025, at Louisa County High School in Mineral, Va.
Students in Mary Rodgers' 12th grade honors English class use AI to help craft an engaging thesis statement for a college admissions essay on Sept. 23, 2025, at Louisa County High School in Mineral, Va. Her school district is trying to get ahead of the curve on training teachers how to use AI for instruction.
Kirsten Luce for Education Week
Artificial Intelligence From Our Research Center 'Look How Fast This Is Exploding': Inside One District's Approach to AI Training
A Virginia school system is trying to help teachers understand the power and limitations of AI tools.
Alyson Klein, October 20, 2025
11 min read
Master teacher Krysta McGrew, center, leads a 5K cluster meeting at Ford Elementary School in Laurens, S.C., on March 10, 2025.
Master teacher Krysta McGrew, center, leads a professional development session at Ford Elementary School in Laurens, S.C., on March 10, 2025.
Bryant Kirk White for Education Week
Professional Development How Do Teachers Learn Best? Here's What They Say
Teachers are required to do professional development, but too often it falls short of their needs.
Elizabeth Heubeck, October 14, 2025
5 min read
ILC's in Alabama discuss a protocol developed by Michael Nelson.
ILC's in Alabama discuss a protocol developed by Michael Nelson.
Peter DeWitt
Professional Development Opinion Looking for a New Way to Approach Professional Learning? Try This
Instructional leadership collectives build cross-system networks for purposeful, impactful learning.
Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson, October 13, 2025
5 min read
Students in the dual language immersion program at Pueblo Elementary School in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Sept. 16, 2025.
A student writes in a workbook during a dual language immersion class at Pueblo Elementary School in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Sept. 16, 2025. Ensemble Learning collaborated with the Texas Education Agency to offer professional development for dual-language teachers.
Courtney Pedroza for Education Week
English Learners In Their Own Words How Professional Development Bolstered a Dual-Language Program
A Texas program offers lessons on the preparation classroom educators need to promote language development.
Jennifer Vilcarino, October 10, 2025
6 min read
Game figures with round speech bubbles with blackboard background. Concept for polarization, discussion, chat, communication.
iStock/Getty
Professional Development Opinion Yes, Teachers Should Discuss Their Politics With Each Other at Work
Telling personal stories breaks down barriers and models what can be done in the classroom.
Kent Lenci, October 6, 2025
5 min read
Artificial Intelligence Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About AI Policy, PD and Practical Use in Your District?
Answer 7 questions about AI Policy, PD and Practical Use in Your District?
October 3, 2025
New teacher participants at the summer institute participate in a professional development activity in June 2025 in Washington.
New teacher participants at the summer institute engage in a professional development activity in June 2025 in Washington. The training is funded by a National Professional Development grant, the fate of which is now in limbo as the Trump administration cuts some of these programs.
Courtesy of Laureen Avery
English Learners Trump Admin. Cuts Some Teacher-Training Grants for English Learners
The Trump administration has cut funding for some English learner PD grants, sparking confusion and prompting appeals.
Ileana Najarro, September 25, 2025
6 min read
Ed Week Training
Eglė Plytnikaitė for Education Week
English Learners From Our Research Center Teachers Say They Need More Support for English Learners, Survey Finds
An analysis of EdWeek Research Center survey data found gaps in teachers' English-learner training.
Ileana Najarro & Alex Harwin, September 22, 2025
4 min read
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
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Vivien Henshall, a long-term substitute special education teacher, talks with Scarlett Rasmussen, 8, during recess at Parkside Elementary School on May 17, 2023, in Grants Pass, Ore. Scarlett is nonverbal and uses an electronic device and online videos to communicate, but reads at her grade level. She was born with a genetic condition that causes her to have seizures and makes it hard for her to eat and digest food, requiring her to need a resident nurse at school.
A long-term substitute special education teacher at Parkside Elementary School in Grants Pass, Ore., speaks with a student during recess on May 17, 2023. The Trump administration has canceled more than $30 million in special education grants, including some aimed at training special education teachers.
Lindsey Wasson/AP
Special Education Trump Canceled Millions for Special Education Teacher Training. What's Next?
More than $30 million for teacher training and parent resources will no longer flow as scheduled.
Mark Lieberman, September 8, 2025
9 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
English Learners Opinion How to Teach English Learners the Right Way
Teaching English learners can be challenging. These veterans offer guidance.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 5, 2025
12 min read
Two female teachers in a school hallway having a discussion.
E+
Professional Development Professional Learning Guide Your Guide to Professional Development for Teachers
Use this guide to help empower and inspire educators through effective PD.
August 12, 2025
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Profession Opinion How to Help Teachers Advance
Executing a few different strategies can foster supportive, empowering environments for teachers.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 12, 2025
14 min read