Professional Development Should Not Be a Waste of Time

Let’s be honest—when most teachers and administrators hear the words “professional development” (PD), it’s not uncommon to feel a little bit of dread, or hear the actual collective sigh of dread. Maybe it’s the thought of spending a whole day sitting through a series of PowerPoints, or the pressure of squeezing in yet another thing to do with too much to teach and not a lot of time. But what if…what if…professional development was actually helpful, practical and made life easier. What if professional development made teachers and administrators feel connected, revitalized and committed to their profession? That is what professional development should be, and if it isn’t, then, sorry, but you are doing it wrong.

When done right, PD can be energizing, inspiring, and—dare we say it—fun, and if you don’t want to go that far, we will say enjoyable. It’s not just about ticking a box or fulfilling a requirement. It’s about growing as an educator, sharing ideas, and ultimately becoming better at what we do, together, as a team, as a community. Sometimes, it is also just as simple as deciding that PD is an opportunity to learn and at the very least to take time for yourself as a professional. PD should not be a waste of time.

PD Should be You Investing in Yourself

As a teacher or administrator, you’re the heart of your school. When you invest in professional development, you’re not just improving your practice for your students—you’re also investing in yourself. By focusing on your own growth and development, you’re strengthening your ability to make a positive impact on the entire school community.

Let’s be real—sometimes, the everyday grind of teaching and administration can feel repetitive. PD is your chance to break free from the routine and explore new ideas in a relaxed, collaborative setting. Instead of focusing solely on the immediate tasks of lesson planning or meetings, PD allows you to step back and engage with big-picture concepts. Plus, many PD sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, often featuring activities, group discussions, and hands-on experiences that make learning fun. If you allow yourself to let go and be in the moment, you are guaranteed to learn something new or build a new connection with a colleague. 

Professional development is about recognizing that you, too, are a lifelong learner. And just like you expect your students to grow and evolve, PD offers you the opportunity to keep pushing yourself to become the best version of your professional self.

PD Should Reignite Passion

Every September (or August, depending where you live), educators around the country are hopeful and eager. Classrooms are set, planners are beautifully organized and everyone is excited to welcome students back through the school doors. There is a collective buzz about helping each student learn and grow. There is a positive sense of hopefulness and eagerness. And then reality sets it in- challenging behaviors, state deadlines, paperwork, academic gaps, and that enthusiasm slowly gets beat down. By November, many educators lose the hopefulness and eagerness they held just a few short months or even weeks prior.  Even the most passionate educators can feel burnt out after a while, especially when juggling required tasks, student needs, and all the responsibilities that come with their roles. Sometimes it can just be one challenging student or parent that can derail and consume all the positivity. This is where professional development can offer a revitalizing break from the grind, a chance to reconnect with the eager version of you from September.

Think of PD as your opportunity to step back and recharge your batteries. It's a chance to explore new ideas, or revisit old ones with a new perspective, try out fresh strategies, and get inspired by what other educators are doing in their classrooms. Whether it's learning about the latest educational technology, diving into new teaching methodologies, or simply hearing from a guest speaker who inspires you, PD is your moment to reignite that spark. So, instead of focusing on all the other things you could be doing, take it in, let the topic and task reconnect you to the core of why you are there and how your passion and this topic can help support you and your students.

PD Should be Practical and Relevant

Let’s face it: we all want to be more effective at what we do, and we all have an area that could use some refining. Education is always evolving. New research, emerging technologies, and shifting societal needs mean there’s always something new to learn. Professional development isn’t just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about getting practical tools that you can actually use in your daily work. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ways to engage students or an administrator exploring strategies to improve school culture, PD is packed with hands-on ideas that make your job easier—and more effective.

Gone are the days when PD felt like a one-size-fits-all event. More and more districts and organizations are offering choice and more personalized professional development options that allow you to focus on the areas where you want to grow. Whether it’s technology integration, classroom management, leadership development, or culturally responsive teaching, you can choose PD that aligns with your personal interests and the needs of your students. If you’re learning about something you’re truly passionate about, it doesn’t feel like a burden—it feels like an opportunity to grow and evolve as an educator.

By staying current with PD, you’ll be able to keep your classroom and school environment fresh, relevant, and engaging for both you and your students.

PD Should Give You a Sense of Accomplishment

Let’s face it: we are all educators here, and so it feels good to learn something new, especially when you can immediately see how it will benefit your students. Sometimes it just feels good to have your practices validated, or to reflect and think of simple tweaks that can be the solution to a problem. Professional development provides time to reflect, and a sense of growth and accomplishment as you continue to refine your skills and knowledge. Whether you earn a certification, attend a workshop, or complete an online course, every PD experience adds to your professional toolkit—and it feels great to check off those milestones!

Also, PD helps you stay on track with your own career goals. Whether you're moving toward a leadership position, honing your expertise in a specific area, or becoming more effective in your current role, PD keeps you moving forward and gives you something tangible to show for your efforts.

Professional development doesn’t have to be a foreboding day on the calendar. It can be a chance to grow, collaborate, and be inspired—all while picking up practical tools that make your job easier and more fulfilling. So the next time you see “professional development” on your calendar, don’t groan. Embrace it as an opportunity to learn, connect, and—yes—have a little fun along the way! After all, education is all about growth, and PD is the perfect place to nurture your own.

-Lily Moss