New school year, new focus: Teacher and leader professional learning key to student success

As families prepare for the upcoming school year, experts emphasize that academic success relies on more than just the right school supplies and backpacks. A critical, yet often overlooked, factor is the professional learning opportunities available to teachers and leaders.

According to research, teacher quality is the single most important factor in determining student achievement. Ongoing training and support for educators can significantly impact student learning outcomes. In education, “professional learning” encompasses a continuous process that enhances educators’ abilities to support and improve student learning. Often referred to as “professional development,” these programs include the latest instructional strategies, educational technologies, subject-specific knowledge, and classroom management techniques.

“Just as your child’s doctors stay current with medical advancements, teachers and school leaders must update their skills so they can offer the highest levels of support to students,” said Frederick Brown, president and CEO of Learning Forward, a professional membership association committed to student success through advancing high-quality professional learning in K-12 public education systems.

“Teacher professional learning is the unsung hero of education,” said Brown. “When teachers and school leaders receive high-quality training and support, they can provide more effective instruction, leading to better academic performance for students.”

Despite its vital role in shaping the educational experience, teacher and leader professional learning often get overshadowed by other school and district priorities. While some forward-thinking school districts and states have recognized its importance and made it a top priority, many others have not. This is why parents must take an active role in advocating for educator professional learning by asking whether the school district is devoting sufficient time, resources, and funding.

“Effective teaching and leading is not an accident. It is a matter of hard work. All teachers and leaders need to understand how students learn, what gets in the way of learning, and how to overcome those barriers so every student succeeds,” said Brown. “Families can play a vital role in supporting educator professional learning by asking questions, staying informed, and advocating for district initiatives that prioritize teacher and leader growth and development.”

Brown says professional learning helps educators keep learning, so that students keep learning. By supporting teacher and leader professional learning, families and educators can work together to ensure students receive the best possible education.