Did you know that there are other ways to provide professional learning outside of scheduled sessions? Amy Storer, instructional coach in Montgomery, TX, showcases a fun way to provide easy-to-read PD to teachers on the go. 🖨️

A

little over a year ago, I was having a conversation with some friends about how to provide teachers with quick, bite-sized PD on campus. We kept coming back to my friend Kathi Kersnowski's idea: Learning in the Loo.

Her brilliant strategy is to hang newsletters up in faculty bathrooms. They include tech tips, tools, and other information for teachers to read quickly. That's when it hit me: What if we hang our monthly newsletters next to the copy machine?

What it looks like

When I first created these newsletters, I included a variety of items including podcasts, blogs, tech tips, self-care resources, and instructional strategies. As excited as I was to share lots of resources with teachers, I had to dial it down.

Now, I create a handout each month that includes an instructional focus, tech tip, and meme of the month in what I like to call #CopierPD.

To ensure the learning doesn't stop at the copier itself, I've found it valuable to create a QR code for the monthly tech tip. This allows the teacher to scan it if they're interested in learning more. 👍

What would you include in your first PD newsletter?

Bonus: Here's a Google Drive folder with some of the newsletters I've created in the past!

Final note

Just like our students, we all have different learning styles. As instructional coaches, it's important to honor that and provide multiple ways for teachers to consume professional learning.

In fact, you might also want to check out an article I've written for TeachBoost with other fun ways to shake up professional learning! 😜

About our Guest Blogger

Amy Storer is an instructional coach and lead technology integration mentor in Montgomery, TX. She loves her position because of the opportunities it presents to work alongside the wonderful educators of Keenan Elementary School. Amy is a distinguished educator who encourages and motivates others to reach far beyond the classroom walls to make learning more meaningful and inspiring. She has a true passion for working with other educators and students to empower them to make and foster global connections.

Be sure to follow Amy on Twitter @TechAmyS!

Illustration by Undraw.