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Planning the Alternative
Professional Learning Model

My Innovation

Plan

Select image to view my innovation plan

Overview of PL Model

This alternative PL model outlines a 12-month course schedule designed to integrate blended learning in Pre-K classrooms, combining face-to-face coaching, collaborative peer learning, and digital tools to provide sustained, interactive, and technology-driven professional development. It aligns with my innovation plan, which focuses on leveraging technology to enhance early childhood education through the use of iPads and interactive learning apps.

The model follows the five key principles of effective professional development (Gulamhussein, 2013) to build a system that effectively develops teachers by ensuring:

  • Ongoing coaching and mentorship for implementation success.

  • Active participation through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), workshops, and online discussions.

  • Real classroom application, allowing teachers to experiment, reflect, and refine practices.

By embedding blended learning into professional development, teachers receive continuous guidance and hands-on practice to integrate digital tools effectively. The combination of in-person collaboration with digital resources ensures that this blended learning PL model is flexible, accessible, and effective in meeting the evolving needs of Pre-K educators.

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Audience

The primary audience for this professional learning model includes Preschool teachers at RYSS and RYSS district administrators. Preschool Teachers will receive classroom-specific professional learning that integrates technology and developmentally appropriate teaching methods to enhance student learning experiences and administrators will participate to gain a deeper understanding of the necessary guidance needed to support teachers through coaching, mentoring, and technology integration within early childhood education.

Needs

This course is designed to equip teachers with effective strategies for integrating technology into early childhood education while utilizing developmentally appropriate teaching methods. Educators will explore and implement various educational applications to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in Pre-K classrooms.

Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) 

Teachers will integrate technology into early childhood instruction in a way that enhances student engagement and learning.

Resources Needed for Professional Learning Training

  • Technology:

    • iPads

    • Digital collaboration platforms (Google Classroom)

    • Interactive apps.

  • Personnel:

    • Instructional coaches

    • Teacher mentors

    • Tech integration specialists.

  • Funding & Support:

    • District-provided PD budget

    • Grant applications for EdTech tools.

This alternative PL model prioritizes ongoing support, collaboration, and hands-on learning over traditional sit-and-get sessions. By aligning with research-based best practices (Gulamhussein, 2013; Joyce & Showers, 2002; Learning Policy Institute, 2017), this plan ensures that professional development is meaningful, sustainable, and directly beneficial to teachers and students.

References

DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., & Many, T. (2010). Learning by doing: A handbook for professional learning communities at work. Solution Tree Press.

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Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning. Jossey-Bass.

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Garet, M. S., Porter, A. C., Desimone, L., Birman, B. F., & Yoon, K. S. (2001). What makes professional development effective? Results from a national sample of teachers. American Educational Research Journal, 38(4), 915–945. https://doi.org/10.3102/00028312038004915

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Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the teachers: Effective professional development in an era of high stakes accountability. Center for Public Education.

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Joyce, B., & Showers, B. (2002). Student achievement through staff development. ASCD.

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Learning Policy Institute. (2017). Effective teacher professional development. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/effective-teacher-professional-development-report

 

 

All photos used with permission @ WIXBLOG

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