{"id":17437,"date":"2025-06-06T10:14:41","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T14:14:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/?p=17437"},"modified":"2025-06-06T10:14:41","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T14:14:41","slug":"summer-pd-for-teachers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/news-blog\/summer-pd-for-teachers\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer PD for Teachers: Choosing the Right Fit for You"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the school year winds down, many educators are already thinking ahead to the next. Whether you\u2019re planning to sharpen your skills, explore new strategies, or meet certification requirements, summer is the perfect time for professional development (PD). But with so many options out there, how do you choose what\u2019s right for you?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Start with Your Goals<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before jumping into a PD program, take a step back and reflect. What do you want to get out of your summer learning?<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Short-Term Goals:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Are you preparing to teach a new subject or grade level next year? Do you need to refresh your <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/school-districts\/\">understanding of your state\u2019s standards<\/a> or tackle a known gap in classroom data?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Long-Term Goals:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Are you working toward leadership, instructional coaching, or deeper subject matter expertise?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clarifying your goals helps you select opportunities that align with both your immediate needs and career trajectory.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Choose Based on Your Role<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all PD is the same, and that\u2019s a good thing. Teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and interventionists all have different needs. Be sure to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Subject and Grade Level:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Look for PD that aligns with your content area and the age group you teach.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevance to Your State Standards:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you\u2019re in Texas, make sure PD ties directly to the TEKS. Georgia educators? Seek out opportunities focused on the Georgia Standards of Excellence and new K-12 math and ELA standards.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Your School or District\u2019s Priorities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Is your school emphasizing data-driven instruction? <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/our-products\/liftoff-adaptive-intervention-2-8\/\">Intervention<\/a>? <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/news-blog\/using-sel-techniques-test-prep\/\">SEL<\/a>? Pick PD that reinforces those priorities.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Explore High-Impact Summer PD Opportunities<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for summer PD that fits your needs and schedule? Whether you&#8217;re a new teacher or a seasoned instructional leader, these resources offer robust options for every subject and grade level.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Curated Lists and Searchable Databases<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ber.org\/seminars\/summer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>BER Seminars<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Professional development courses from the Bureau of Education &amp; Research, organized by grade and subject.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/professional-learning\/summer\/web\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>TeachersFirst Summer PD Listings<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A growing library of online and in-person sessions for K\u201312 educators.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weareteachers.com\/summer-professional-development-for-teachers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>We Are Teachers Summer PD Roundup<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Updated annually with summer PD programs and application deadlines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachingchannel.com\/continuing-education-courses-for-teachers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Teaching Channel<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Flexible, self-paced learning opportunities with university credit options.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Unique PD Opportunities &amp; Programs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Some opportunities can take you off the computer and into real life experiences. While these can be very rewarding and immersive, they often also have a long application process. If these catch your eye, plan out the application process to be ready for 2026 or a future year.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fulbrightteacherexchanges.org\/programs\/dast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> International travel for PD and cultural exchange.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/teacher-at-sea-program\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Teacher at Sea Program (NOAA)<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Join scientific research teams and bring STEM alive in your classroom.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.org\/education\/professional-development\/grosvenor-teacher-fellows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Field-based PD with National Geographic.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/geeo.org\/other-travel-opportunities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>GEEO<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Travel programs for teachers that combine cultural immersion with education-based learning.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>More Ideas for Summer Learning<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Earn Online Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Become a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/edu.google.com\/learning-center\/certifications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Google Certified Educator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or complete a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsense.org\/education?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=adgrant&amp;utm_campaign=brand&amp;campaignid=21383101157&amp;adgroupid=166328656249&amp;adid=702858246890&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21383101157&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_alXLIuzZYFjmiilFyRDsrK4Q_g&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwgIXCBhDBARIsAELC9Zhx7yiW7gs7s-e3qmEOHzVRdqIaSiOz7LS_F9NpIWw5ovfWr2uokz0aAmPYEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Sense Educator course<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join a Virtual Learning Community: Connect with other educators in Facebook groups, such as, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/545080242935547\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers Ask Teachers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/ElementaryTeachersSupportGroup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary Teachers Support Group<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/48668286932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Middle School Teachers Rock!<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Try New Tools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Summer is a great time to test edtech platforms. Many offer free trials or webinars!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Read, Listen, and Reflect<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Tune into teacher podcasts or join a PD book club with colleagues.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Bonus: Think About Summer Conferences<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may be late in the season to register, but summer education conferences can also be powerful PD experiences. If you\u2019ve already got one on the calendar, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/news-blog\/conferences-for-educators\/\">tips for getting the most out of education conferences<\/a> in our <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recent blog post.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Final Tip: Make Your Learning Count<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before enrolling in a PD opportunity, check whether it meets any state or district professional learning requirements. Many platforms, including Progress Learning, <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/about-us\/training\/\">also offer completion certificates that support PD credit hours<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe below to stay in touch on our upcoming webinars and PD opportunities.<\/strong><\/p>\n<script charset=\"utf-8\" type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/\/js.hsforms.net\/forms\/embed\/v2.js\"><\/script>\r\n<script>\r\n\thbspt.forms.create({\r\n\t\tregion: \"na1\",\r\n\t\tportalId: \"23272034\",\r\n\t\tformId: \"c970216b-3a79-4ad1-a9d7-920aea441c78\"\r\n\t});\r\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the school year winds down, many educators are already thinking ahead to the next. Whether you\u2019re planning to sharpen your skills, explore new strategies, or meet certification requirements, summer is the perfect time for professional development (PD). But with so many options out there, how do you choose what\u2019s right for you? Start with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":17438,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"\ud83d\ude80 Teachers, make your summer count! Explore top PD picks\u2014certifications, conferences, virtual communities & more. Set goals, grow skills, and get ready for next year! \ud83c\udf1e\ud83d\udcda #TeacherPD #SummerPD #ProgressLearning","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Blog-Summer-PD-for-Teachers-Choosing-the-Right-Fit-for-You.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17437"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17437\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17441,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17437\/revisions\/17441"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}