8 Questions that transformed a training Program

Hello Education Leaders,

Last week's encounter with a forward-thinking principal revealed a hidden truth about teacher PD that many overlook.

Last week, I had the privilege of working with a Principal of a medium-sized (1000 students) private K-12 CBSE school, diving deep into the world of EdTech consulting.

I noticed she was busy with a calendar, marking down dates like there was no tomorrow. My curiosity got the best of me, and I just had to ask if she needed a hand.

She kindly said no, mentioning those dates were for her teachers' training. That's when I popped the question,

"Is it a PD Program or just some training you're planning?"

She looked a bit puzzled and asked, "What's the difference?"

Here's what I told her, and it's something we all need to chew on:

Training is great; it's like giving someone a fish and teaching them how to cook it.

But PD?

That's teaching them to fish, cook, and even invent new recipes. It's about lighting a spark, not just filling a bucket.

With that lightbulb moment, we dove into planning not just any program but a PD journey that was all set to transform the way her teachers teach and how their students learn.

If you're in the mood to shake things up and make learning more like an adventure, here's a simple guide, straight from our heart-to-heart:

1. Why Are We Here? Every great journey starts with knowing your destination. What's the big dream for your PD program?
2. Custom Fit: One size never fits all. Get to know what your teachers really need and tailor your program just for them.
3. Keep It Fun: Who said learning's got to be boring? Mix it up with workshops, group stuff, and maybe even some cool online badges.
4. Real Stuff: Make sure your teachers can actually use what they learn, like the very next day. Practical is the name of the game.
5. Support Squad: Everyone needs a cheerleader. Build a community where teachers can share, support, and grow together.
6. Thinking Time: Reflection is where the magic happens. It's all about understanding our journey and how far we've come.
7. Talk About It: Keep the conversation going. PD isn't a one-off; it's part of the school's heartbeat.
8. Celebrate Big and Small Wins: Notice some growth? Celebrate it! It's all about recognizing the steps we take forward.

And just like that, we're not just teaching better; we're transforming the whole game.

Here's to making our classrooms the kind of places that both teachers and students can't wait to dive into every day.

Until next time,

Manoj Sundaram

EdTech Consultant

P.S. Wanna start this adventure in your school? DM me, and let's make education the exciting journey it's meant to be.