How can we rethink professional development for teachers so it feels energizing, relevant, and deeply human? In this episode, Tricia Friedman is joined by Justin Hardman and Carlos Galvez for a conversation about educator professional development, community building in education, teacher conferences, and the future of learning. Together, they explore why many educators are no longer looking for one-size-fits-all PD. Instead, they want meaningful professional learning, stronger communities of practice, and experiences that leave them feeling connected rather than depleted. This episode examines what makes a great education conference, how to design teacher professional learning that builds trust and belonging, and why joy, movement, and human connection matter more than ever—especially in a time when AI in education is changing the conversation around teaching and learning. If you care about teacher growth, innovative professional development, education leadership, or building stronger school communities, this conversation is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss Why professional development for educators needs to evolve What teachers want from modern professional learning The importance of community building in schools and education spaces How to create authentic communities of practice for teachers Why the best teacher conferences feel relational, not transactional How organizations can avoid "copy-paste" conference programming The role of trust, belonging, and leadership in adult learning How to identify and elevate new voices in education Why informal learning spaces like PubPD matter for educators How physical education, wellness, and movement shape better conference experiences What AI means for educators, especially in relation to health, wellness, and human connection Why the future of education may depend on protecting what is most human about learning Key Themes Professional Development for Teachers Is Changing Educators have access to more information than ever. What many need now is not more content, but more connection. Justin and Carlos reflect on how teacher professional development can become more collaborative, practical, and community-centered. Community Building in Education This episode digs into what it really takes to build a thriving education community—from intentional design and representation to trust, consistency, and making space for new voices. What Makes a Great Education Conference From presenter support to social events, the conversation highlights the small and large details that help an education conference feel welcoming, joyful, and memorable. PubPD and Informal Professional Learning Carlos shares the story behind PubPD, a social and informal model for educator learning that blends conversation, reflection, and community in more relaxed spaces. AI in Education and the Need for Human-Centered Learning As schools continue exploring artificial intelligence in education, this episode asks an important question: what should stay deeply human in how we teach, lead, and learn? Memorable Quotes "The information is out there… what matters now is community." "Some of the people doing the best work in schools are not the ones necessarily signing up to present." "The key to building community is belonging." "Learning should be joyful." "We shouldn't just adapt to AI. We should ask how AI adapts to us." Why This Episode Matters Whether you are a teacher, school leader, instructional coach, conference organizer, or education consultant, this episode offers insight into how to make professional development for educators more human, more inclusive, and more impactful. It is also a powerful reminder that the most effective learning environments—whether online, in schools, or at conferences—are built on belonging, trust, curiosity, and shared purpose. Connect with Justin Connect with Carlos Learn more about PHASE
