Energize Your Staff in Your Next Professional Development Day

When I was an assistant principal, it was around this time that we began mapping our professional development (PD) days for the year, with a particular focus on our kick-off. Collaborating with other building and district leaders, my priority was always to make these experiences as engaging as possible to start off on the right foot and help ensure that my teammates retained the important information being shared. 

I know how much time goes into creating these sessions, so it was surprising to learn that only 36% of teachers are extremely or very satisfied with the opportunities they have for training and development. Administrators have some work to do to change this statistic and deliver programming that speaks to our educators’ needs and interests.  

One way to improve professional development is by using the Emergenetics Attributes to guide the design of these events. When people utilize their strengths and skills on a daily basis, it increases their engagement and productivity. We also know that when individuals are interested in a subject matter, they are likelier to show greater attention, persistence and performance.  

By speaking to the way that personnel prefer to think, behave and interact, you will elevate the PD experience. 

7 Insights to Magnify Engagement & Learning Retention 

Use Relevant Data

Analytical thinkers are typically more curious about what they are learning when they are presented with research that has a direct connection to the purpose and objectives behind their work. Find ways to integrate data directly from your students, school or district in the session, and give staff an opportunity to solve a challenge using this information. 

Make It Actionable

Practicality is particularly important to individuals who prefer Structural thinking. When you’re leading a PD event, make sure to translate the takeaways into day-to-day actions. Set timelines and build in action steps that align with your school-wide calendar to bring the next steps to life. 

Encourage Connection 

People with a Social preference tend to be motivated when they have a chance to work with and through others. Build in time for connection where educators can learn about each other as well as the subject matter at hand.  

Embrace the Whimsical

In a presentation with EdWeek, our CEO reminded us: Kids are not the only people who like to have fun. Everyone will be more engaged when they are enjoying themselves, and for the Conceptual Attribute, that means having moments to connect disparate ideas and embrace the unusual. Weaving in a creative theme and games can awaken this Thinking style. 

Process in Multiple Ways

Based on their Expressiveness percentiles, some educators will prefer to take in ideas by talking through them. Others will find that reflection serves them best. And, another third will lean toward one approach or the other depending on how they are feeling at that moment! You can accommodate different styles by making time for quiet, independent thought as well as turning and talking with table partners.  

Accommodate Different Pacing

First-third Assertive team members often appreciate a calm, steady approach to their work, while third-third staff gravitate towards a driving speed. While there always seems to be so much to accomplish in the course of a PD day, get focused on your top priorities so that you can allow for pauses and pushes. Try starting the event at a gentle pace, adopting a quicker speed in the middle and slowing down again at the end. 

Make Room for Focus and Iteration

Considering the Flexibility preferences of your employees, it’s important to remember that some team members gain energy as options narrow, while others get energized as options open up. Create space for everyone to flourish by introducing multiple learning modalities that staff can select from as they engage with information and material. 

There are so many aspects to a successful professional development session, from setting clear goals to designing insightful activities to structuring the event to achieve your top objectives. It’s impossible to capture all these details in one blog post, which is why we created a playbook! 

In Build the Perfect Professional Development Day, you’ll find additional reflection tools, exercises and recommendations to ensure that your sessions leave a positive impact that lasts far beyond the actual event itself. 

Remember: You are not alone in creating an exceptional experience. In addition to soliciting input from your colleagues, Emergenetics is here, too! We know just how active your schedules can be as you prepare to start the school year, and we’d love to offer our expertise to help you create a motivating day that sets the foundation for stronger collaboration, better communication and a more positive climate.  

Want help planning your next PD session? Connect with our team by filling out the form below. 

 Print This Post