Media contact: Gail Paul | gail.paul@learningforward.org

As backpacks are packed and first-day photos flood social media, parents have a golden opportunity to set the tone for the year—not just for their kids, but for the classrooms they learn in. One of the most overlooked ways to support student success? Understanding how teachers themselves learn.

Across the country, school districts are investing in professional learning—ongoing, research-based training that equips educators with new tools, strategies, and ideas to improve student outcomes. These programs help teachers personalize instruction, integrate technology effectively, and stay current on how children learn best.

“Just as pediatricians stay current with medical advancements, teachers and school leaders 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.

“When teachers grow, students grow,” said Brown. “Professional learning ensures educators can meet each child’s needs and make learning more engaging and effective. Parents have a vital role in supporting these opportunities.”

In one district, after teachers took part in intensive professional development tied to a new math curriculum, student proficiency soared from 9% to 52% in a single marking period. This wasn’t a one-time win—it reflected the payoff of sustained, intentional investment in educator growth and support.

Getting involved isn’t just curiosity—it’s advocacy. By showing interest in how educators are supported, parents send a message that teacher growth matters, and that the community is invested in high-quality instruction.

Here are ways to get started:

Ask

Parents can start the year by asking their school:

  • What professional learning opportunities do teachers have this year?
  • How are these programs connected to student needs in our community?
  • How do teachers share what they’ve learned with colleagues?

 

Engage

Professional learning is just the first step in building stronger schools. Throughout the year, parents can:

  • Support learning at home by reinforcing strategies teachers use in class.
  • Find out about your school’s online parent portal or other digital communication platform and check regularly for updates avout school news and what students are learning.
  • Attend parent-teacher conferences with questions about learning strategies and student progress.

 

Partner

A strong school-parent partnership is one of the most powerful predictors of student achievement. Teachers bring professional expertise; parents bring deep knowledge of their child’s strengths, challenges, and interests. Together, they can create a learning plan that is both personal and powerful.

“Back-to-school isn’t just a time for supply lists and schedules,” Brown added. “It’s a time to build relationships—with your child’s teacher, with your school, and with the learning process itself. When parents understand and support how teachers learn, they help every child’s education flourish.”