8 Professional Development Ideas to Improve Your Instruction as a Teacher

Teaching is constantly evolving. What worked five years ago might not work today. That’s why exploring ways teachers can improve their instruction is essential for staying relevant, effective, and impactful. Whether you’re new to the classroom or a seasoned educator, regular professional development sharpens your practice and benefits your students.

Here are eight straightforward ways to improve your teaching and grow as a professional.

1. Join a Professional Learning Group

One of the best ways to develop your teaching is by connecting with others. Professional learning groups, whether online or in person, provide a platform to share strategies, ask questions, and reflect on practice. These spaces help teachers stay current and build a culture of collaboration.

2. Watch Teaching-Focused Videos

There’s a wealth of free content available online. YouTube, educational websites, and webinars offer tutorials on classroom management, instructional strategies, and student engagement. Carving out time to watch and reflect on high-quality teaching videos can introduce you to ideas worth trying.

3. Read Blogs and Articles by Other Educators

Educational blogs and teaching journals offer practical, classroom-tested strategies. Make it a habit to read one or two posts each week. Take note of what resonates with you, then reflect: How does this apply to my setting? Could this strengthen learning for my students?

4. Attend Workshops and Conferences

Targeted workshops and education conferences provide fresh ideas and deeper learning. Whether it’s a curriculum update, inclusion strategies, or new assessment practices, these events expose teachers to research-informed practice. Look for both in-person and online options to fit your schedule.

5. Observe Other Teachers in Action

Watching a colleague teach is one of the most underused forms of professional learning. Peer observation helps teachers identify new techniques and reflect on their own classroom practice. Ask a colleague if you can observe their lesson and invite them to yours.

6. Talk with Colleagues About Practice

Professional growth doesn’t have to be formal. Often, the best learning comes from casual conversations in the staffroom. Share what’s working. Ask for advice. Start a “strategy swap” or short lunchtime conversation series with your team.

7. Use Online Resources to Plan and Reflect

The internet is full of tools to support lesson planning, assessment, and reflection. Use them. From ready-made lesson templates to professional learning platforms, these resources save time and spark creativity. Choose one area of your practice to improve and explore what’s available.

8. Make Time to Reflect on Your Teaching

Improvement starts with honest self-reflection. What’s going well? Where are students struggling? What do you want to change? Setting aside a few minutes each week to reflect and jot down some thoughts. This helps you become more intentional and adaptive in your teaching.

Final Thoughts

Teaching is constantly evolving. What worked five years ago might not work today. That’s why exploring ways teachers can improve their instruction is essential for staying relevant, effective, and impactful. Whether you’re new to the classroom or a seasoned educator, regular professional development sharpens your practice and benefits your students.

Here are eight straightforward ways to improve your teaching and grow as a professional.

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Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

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Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden