Best resources for teachers’ professional development

A smiling woman attends a conference

Published: October 17th, 2022

Are you looking for teacher development resources to help you with your professional development? Whether you’re looking for new ideas to keep your teaching fresh or want to learn more about a specific topic, there are plenty of great options out there. In this article, we’ll share some of our favourite resources for teacher professional development, or PD, including online resources, conferences, events, grants, books and more. When it comes to professional learning, teachers have a huge range of options to choose from. 

Professional development opportunities for teachers

In teaching, as in life, you never really stop learning. There are always new developments and ideas to explore. Attending conferences or events, or enrolling in a short course is a great way to continue developing yourself as a teacher. These kinds of activities offer opportunities to learn new things, network with other educators, and exchange ideas. They can also help you stay up-to-date on the latest teaching trends and best practices. Attending professional development events is a great way to keep your skills sharp and your teaching practice current.

1. Conferences

Every year, thousands of teachers in Australia attend professional development conferences to learn new teaching techniques and network with colleagues. The conference circuit is packed with inspiring keynote speakers and informative breakout sessions.

Some annual conferences on the calendar include:

2. Webinars

Can’t get out to an in-person conference? Many educational organisations offer webinars on various topics related to teacher development. These are often free or low-cost, and provide convenient, flexible professional development for teachers. Some resources for finding educational webinars for teachers include Cool Australia, edWebinars, and Learners Edge.

3. Courses

Many universities and other educational organisations offer courses to help educators deepen their understanding of specific topics or learn new instructional strategies. In addition to courses offered by all the major Australian universities (which offer a range of both long and short courses), there are also organisations that offer free or affordable online courses, such as FutureLearn, Student Wellbeing Hub, the QT Academy, Holmesglen, and Open Universities.

4. Mentorship

Finding a mentor—an experienced teacher who can provide guidance, support, and advice—can be an invaluable opportunity for the professional development of educators.

In many states across Australia, teacher graduates are provided with a mentor to support them through their first few years. However, it’s well worth keeping a mentor throughout your whole career. 

Many workplaces will have mentorship programs set up, or you could seek out a colleague at work or someone in your network. Or you could choose to join a professional mentoring or networking group, such as Embodied Learning.

Professional development resources for teachers

In addition to conferences, courses, mentoring and webinars, there is also a wealth of digital resources available online that are great for teacher learning. Each of these digital resources can provide teachers with the tools they need to improve their practice and better serve their students. 

Some online resources include:

1. The Teaching Channel

The Teaching Channel offers a wide range of videos and resources on various aspects of teaching, from classroom management to effective instructional strategies.

2. Edutopia

Edutopia is a website devoted to educational innovation, with a wealth of articles, videos, and other resources on various topics related to teaching and learning.

3. The Australian Government website

The Australian Government provides teachers with professional development resources, including online and on-demand professional learning opportunities. Browse some of the opportunities offered by the Victorian state government here or the NSW government here, or search online for opportunities offered in your state.

4. TeachThought

TeachThought is a website that offers teachers resources on the latest educational technology. The organisation offers many online workshops and services, on-demand videos and courses, as well as a blog and podcast.

5. Promethean

At Promethean, we pride ourselves on the quality of the educational resources we provide teachers and administrators. These resources include a professional development program and community that offers online resources, live events, and a one-of-a-kind consulting program. The Promethean blog also features articles, stories, and guides to help educators better understand edTech.

Professional readings for teachers

These professional development books, written by leading education experts and award-winning teachers, are great resources for educators looking for new strategies to engage their students.

Powerful Partnerships: A Teacher’s Guide to Engaging Families by Karen L. Mapp, Ilene Carver, and Jessica Lander

Powerful Partnerships teaches educators how to develop trusting relationships with the families of their students. The book provides guidance on how to engage with families throughout the school year to build great relationships – a critical part of supporting student learning.

The Fundamentals of Teaching by Mike Bell

The Fundamentals of Teaching offers a 5-step model for putting educational research into practice. Bell synthesises findings from educational research and neuroscience to provide an easy-to-use guide for teachers. The book also includes case studies from teachers on how they implemented practical strategies to improve learning outcomes.

Teachers vs Tech by Daisy Christodoulou

In Teachers vs Tech, Christodoulou explores the rise of edTech, the impact it’s had on education, and the potential it still has to transform the teaching and learning experience. She explores stories of success, as well as missed opportunities. She also provides information about new developments in edTech. 

The Inclusive Classroom by Daniel Sobel and Sara Alston

The Inclusive Classroom guides teachers in creating an inclusive classroom for students from different backgrounds, or those with different learning needs. The book provides methods and activities for teachers looking to provide additional support to those who need it most, while still maintaining an exceptional learning experience for the rest of the class.

Reading Revealed: 50 Expert Teachers Share What They Do and Why They Do It by Diane Stephens, Jerome C. Harste, and Jean Anne Clyde

Reading Revealed features 50 award-winning literacy educators, who provide tried-and-tested, student-focused activities and instructions for strengthening reading.

Teaching in the Online Classroom by Doug Lemov

The transition to online classrooms during the global pandemic was challenging for many teachers and students. But with the move to technology-supported teaching here to stay, it’s important that teachers know how to engage and educate their students in virtual environments.

Teaching in the Online Classroom acts as a guide for teaching online. Featuring real-life examples that can be adapted to your own online classroom, the book is valuable for anyone who wants to enhance the way they use technology in the classroom.

Grants and scholarships

A great way to advance your career or challenge yourself is to take part in a program offered by the Australian or state government. The Australian Government, as well as many state governments across Australia, offer grants and scholarships for teachers to further their professional career.​​​​ Some of these include:

Incentive payments to teachers for hard-to-fill positions

To attract teachers to the places where they’re needed most, the Victorian state government offers incentive payments to teachers who fill hard-to-fill positions in government schools across the state. This can include those who take on hard-to-staff subjects, positions in rural areas, or roles in schools with a high proportion of disadvantaged students.

In addition to providing an opportunity to advance your careers in a challenging yet rewarding role, the grant also provides financial incentives, including an initial payment between $9,000 and $50,000 when you start the position, an annual payment of $9,000 at the end of your second, third and fourth year, and relocation assistance is necessary.

Similar programs are offered throughout Australia, such as NSW’s Rural Teachers Incentive, and WA’s Country Teaching Program.

Grants offered by the Department of Education

To support government policies across early child care, school education, higher education, vocational education, international education, and research, the Department of Education offers grants to eligible organisations and individuals. The Current Grant Opportunity List contains all current Grant Opportunities open for application.

Wherever you are in your career, there are great professional development opportunities available to you

No matter what type of professional development you’re looking for, there is likely a resource available to help. Keep in mind that different types of PD can be complementary, so don’t be afraid to mix and match. And above all else, remember the importance of taking care of yourself as a teacher; investing in your own growth will only make you a better educator. Try incorporating some of the resources provided above into your professional learning plan, and don’t forget to check out our blog for even more great resources.

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