In today’s fast-changing classrooms, professional development for teachers isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. From integrating new technology to addressing diverse student needs, educators face growing challenges. That’s why investing in the right training and resources can transform both your teaching and your students’ success.

This guide walks you through the core types of professional development, top PD programs available online, and practical tips to help you find the perfect fit—no matter your goals or schedule.

What is Professional Development for Teachers?

Professional development for teachers is an ongoing learning process that helps educators sharpen their skills, gain new strategies, and stay updated with modern teaching practices. It includes a wide range of activities, such as:

  • Workshops and training sessions
  • Online certification courses
  • Mentorship and coaching
  • Collaborative learning with peers
What is professional development for teachers?

What is professional development for teachers?

Download this engaging worksheet to introduce the concept of teacher professional development!

Whether formal or informal, in-person or virtual, PD empowers teachers to grow professionally while better supporting student learning and engagement.

Why Is Teacher Professional Development Important?

Strong professional development leads to strong teaching—and strong teaching transforms student achievement.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Improves Student Learning Outcomes: When teachers grow, students benefit from higher engagement and deeper understanding.
  • Keeps Educators Current: PD helps teachers stay up to date with curriculum changes, technology, and educational research.
  • Boosts Teacher Confidence: Learning new methods and strategies builds confidence and creativity in the classroom.
  • Supports Career Growth: PD can open doors to leadership roles, certifications, or specialization paths.
  • Builds a Collaborative Culture: Group PD fosters peer learning, mentoring, and a sense of community.

Types of Professional Development Courses

There are various formats of PD courses designed to cater to different learning styles and schedules. Below are some common types:

Types of professional development courses

Types of professional development courses

Workshops and Seminars

Workshops and seminars are intensive, short-term training sessions that focus on specific topics. These are often hands-on and provide opportunities for teachers to collaborate and share experiences in real-time.

Online Courses and Virtual Training

With the advancement of technology, many PD opportunities are now available online. These courses provide flexibility, allowing teachers to learn at their own pace while fitting into their busy schedules.

Mentorship Programs

Mentorship programs pair experienced educators with those looking to enhance their teaching practices. These relationships offer personalized guidance and can be essential for professional growth.

Recommended Professional Development Programs

When considering PD opportunities, here are some highly regarded programs to explore:

1. SimpleK12

SimpleK12 offers a variety of workshops focused on today’s classroom technology and teaching strategies. Members have access to webinars, resources, and a supportive community, enhancing their teaching skills.

SimpleK12

SimpleK12

2. 40-Hour Teacher Workweek

This program emphasizes productivity strategies, helping teachers streamline their workload while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s ideal for educators seeking efficiency in their teaching routines.

40-hour Teacher Workweek

40-hour Teacher Workweek

3. edWeb

edWeb provides a collaborative environment where teachers can share resources and learn from one another. It’s a fantastic community-oriented platform that offers free webinars and resources.

edWeb

edWeb

4. Coursera

Partnering with top universities like Stanford and the University of London, Coursera offers high-quality, self-paced online courses. Teachers can dive into topics like “Learning How to Learn,” “The Science of Well-Being,” or subject-specific pedagogy. Many courses are free to audit, with optional certification.

Coursera

Coursera

5. Udemy

Udemy is ideal for teachers seeking short, practical courses with immediate classroom applications. Topics range from classroom engagement techniques to using AI tools in education. Courses often include lifetime access and downloadable resources.

Udemy

Udemy

6. Alison

Alison is a free platform offering certified courses on everything from classroom behavior to educational psychology. It’s especially useful for teachers on a budget who still want recognized professional development credentials.

Alison

Alison

7. ed2go

ed2go partners with institutions and districts to provide instructor-led online PD courses. These cover foundational and advanced topics such as inclusion, ESL teaching, and literacy development.

ed2go

ed2go

8. Becoming a Better Teacher

This self-paced, reflective course guides educators through evaluating and improving their teaching practices using real classroom footage and personal reflection strategies.

Becoming a Better Teacher

Becoming a Better Teacher

Tips to Choose the Right Professional Development Course

Selecting the appropriate PD course is essential for maximizing its impact on your teaching career. Consider the following factors:

Tips to choose the right professional development course

Tips to choose the right professional development course

1. Set Clear Teaching Goals

Before picking a course, ask yourself: What do I want to improve? Whether it’s classroom management, integrating technology, or supporting diverse learners, your goals should guide your PD choices.

2. Align With Your Teaching Needs

Look for courses that solve real challenges in your classroom. Are you struggling with student engagement? Need strategies for differentiated instruction? Choose programs that offer relevant, hands-on solutions.

3. Check for Flexibility

Busy teachers need flexibility. Choose online or self-paced courses that allow you to learn at your own rhythm—without the pressure of tight deadlines.

4. Check Instructor Expertise

Make sure the course is taught by experienced educators or experts in the field. A credible instructor can offer not just theory but practical, classroom-tested strategies.

5. Review the Course Content

Scan the syllabus or module list. Look for specific topics, actionable takeaways, and resources you can use right away—not just broad concepts.

6. Consider the Cost

There are excellent paid and free professional development for teachers out there. Sites like Coursera, Alison, and EdWeb offer high-quality, budget-friendly (or free!) courses.

7. Confirm Certification or CEUs

If you’re pursuing license renewal or career advancement, ensure the course offers valid certificates or continuing education units (CEUs) that meet your local district or state requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best professional development for teachers?

The best PD depends on your goals. For tech skills, SimpleK12 and Udemy are great. For pedagogy, try Coursera or 40-Hour Teacher Workweek. For flexibility and cost-effectiveness, Alison and edWeb are top picks.

2. What are the three types of professional development for teachers?

  • Formal PD: Includes degrees, certifications, and structured courses.
  • Informal PD: Includes webinars, online learning, podcasts, or teacher forums.
  • On-the-job PD: Includes coaching, peer observation, and collaborative planning.

3. What are examples of professional development?

  • Attending a seminar on classroom management
  • Completing an online course on differentiated instruction
  • Participating in a peer-mentoring program
  • Watching a PD webinar on student engagement
  • Earning a certification in ESL teaching

Final Words

The journey to becoming a better educator starts with choosing the right professional development for teachers. With flexible, affordable, and high-quality programs now more accessible than ever, there’s never been a better time to invest in yourself and your students.

Ready to bring what you’ve learned into the classroom? Visit Worksheetzone for a growing collection of printable and interactive worksheets that support engaging, effective instruction across subjects and grade levels!