The Limitations of Traditional Professional Development
Educators often find that traditional professional development fails to meet their diverse needs. In many schools, a one-size-fits-all workshop approach is still prevalent, where the same content is delivered to all teachers, regardless of their specific roles or experience levels. This generic approach typically focuses on mandatory testing or training, which does not cater to the individual needs of educators. As a result, teachers may not feel supported in their professional growth, and there is often no follow-up to ensure that the new strategies are implemented effectively.

Research shows that the lack of differentiation in professional development can lead to disengagement among educators. Without tailored content that addresses the unique challenges and goals of new versus veteran teachers, or those in different roles within the educational system, the impact of these sessions is diminished. The absence of data tracking further compounds this issue, as there is no way to measure the effectiveness of the professional development or to understand how it influences classroom practices.