3 keys for organizing professional events that will move PD forward

The past few years have brought many changes to professional events in the education space as schools and educators bounce back.

While virtual learning was a practical alternative to face-to-face instruction, online coursework presented a unique set of challenges. For example, many educators have identified significant knowledge gaps in K-12 students as a direct result of the inequities associated with solely home-based, virtual learning.

We’re witnessing firsthand how teachers and schools are actively working to address these gaps and ensure all students meet key benchmarks. We have also seen school systems take action to support educators as they work diligently to bring students up to speed following 2020.

We have joined this effort by partnering with various school districts and administrators to hold professional events that tackle these issues. The events equip educators with the tools needed both inside and outside the classroom to ensure the overall success of their students. A particularly exemplary event was held by Integra Schools, Panama’s leading K-12 private school organization, serving 4,300+ students and employing over 400
educators.

The event detailed strategies for educators to better measure student data and enhance the virtual learning experience. The content also covered social-emotional topics like mindfulness in the classroom and the importance of work-life balance for teachers. Here are some key takeaways from Integra’s conference and other recent K-12 development events powered by Sched:

1. Take a hybrid approach to learning. At the height of COVID, virtual learning was the only feasible option. Now, most schools have returned to face-to-face instruction, and society has seen the benefits of online learning while also identifying its limitations. Leveraging technology to our advantage by taking a hybrid approach to classroom instruction is key. Virtual learning can be implemented as a supplement to face-to-face instruction. This composite approach is most effective for students’ academic success as hybrid instruction accommodates every learning style.
2. Virtual instruction should always be interactive. K-12 students learn best when the curriculum is interactive. Today’s software is equipped for interactive learning, whether it be through computer games or virtual reality. The proof is in the numbers; students are proven to remember 90% of material if it is learned through experience.
3. Prioritize educators’ mental health. The conference held by Integra also touched on the importance of self-care for educators. The event addressed the trend of ‘Nervous System Burnout’ within the teaching profession and how to combat mental exhaustion through mindfulness. The pandemic placed a great deal of stress on educators as they worked to adapt to web-based instruction. As we move into 2023, the conversation surrounding teachers’ mental health must remain at the forefront.

To conclude, 2020 has undeniably transformed the way we educate our students. As a K-12 event professional, it has been rewarding to observe how events are tools to better connect administrators, teachers, and students, and collaboratively solve fundamental problems for the overall betterment of our next generation.

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