Professional Development Archives

Jul 11 2022

Elena Aguilar on Coaching for Equity

By John Spencer Podcast, Professional Development No Comments

In my latest episode, I interviewed Elena Aguilar about coaching, equity, and transforming teacher practice. She asked me a question that had me thinking about my own answer for days -- and question what that means for my teaching practice. Elena is a true expert…

Jun 12 2022

16 Ways to Own Your Professional Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Professional Development 6 Comments

I'm sitting at a barbecue joint putting finishing touches on a social studies pedagogy course I'm teaching this summer. While I try to focus, I can't help but notice the passion and excitement at the table across from me. “Screw going on a cruise. I…

Oct 29 2021

Teachers Need a Genius Hour, Too

By John Spencer Creativity, Professional Development, Teacher Life 5 Comments

In my hardest year of teaching, we had a toxic school culture after a leadership change. I had panic attacks in the parking lot. Eight teachers quit by December. I had a stretch of nineteen days where I had no prep period. For me, community,…

Jul 20 2020

The World Needs Your Voice

By John Spencer Podcast, Professional Development 3 Comments

This is my latest article in a series on owning your professional learning. When we think of professional development, it's easy to think of skills you might acquire, concepts you might learn, or ideas you might explore. However, professional development is bigger than this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw53uRedr5U&t=2s…

Jul 06 2020

Pajama PD: Taking an Anytime / Anywhere Approach to Professional Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Professional Development No Comments

This is my latest article in a series on owning your professional learning. I love the concept of "Pajama PD." It's the idea that you can engage in deep professional learning without having to dress up nicer or go anywhere. Don't get me wrong. I…

Jul 02 2020

How to Read 50 Books in a Year (Even When You’re Busy)

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Professional Development 7 Comments

This is my latest article in a series on owning your professional learning. According to a Pew Research poll, over a quarter of the U.S. adult population said they hadn't read a book within the last year, whether that was in audiobook, ebook, or physical…

Jun 29 2020

Make Something Awesome This Summer

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Professional Development One Comment

This is my latest article in a series on owning your professional learning. Genius Hour (or 20% Time) projects begin with a simple idea: give students a dedicated period of time to pursue their passions, interests, and questions in a creative way. Made famous by…

Jun 26 2020

Three Book Club Opportunities

By John Spencer Professional Development One Comment

In my previous article, I wrote about how teachers can use book clubs as a way to own their professional development. These book clubs can be in-person or online. They can be synchronous or asynchronous. You might go more open-ended or have things a little…

Jun 22 2020

Why Every Teacher Needs a Mastermind Group

By John Spencer Creative Collaboration, Creativity, Podcast, Professional Development 4 Comments

This is my latest article in a series on owning your professional learning. In this series, we explore what it means to own your professional learning. This article focuses on mastermind groups. These groups are self-initiated and democratic. Members meet together to provide accountability, structure,…

Jun 15 2020

How to Use Book Clubs for Deeper Professional Learning

By John Spencer Podcast, Professional Development 8 Comments

This is my latest article in a series on owning your professional learning. This is the second in a series on owning your professional learning. Book clubs can be a powerful way to learn new skills, find new ideas, and experience paradigm shifts. Book studies…