The BEST Professional Learning Transforms Teaching (& Learning)

This S5E3 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation with 30-year education veteran, Sandy Halpin, reveals the game-changing approach to professional learning that's revolutionizing teacher support and driving real student success.

Starting as a new teacher can be tough, even with formal teaching qualifications. Many educators feel unprepared, highlighting the need for effective professional learning in school life. This video shares a story about this common challenge and emphasizes the need for better teaching strategies that benefit both the student and the educator.

🎯 What You'll Discover:
💫The "evidence-required" model that transforms teaching tips into measurable classroom impact
💫Why most teacher coaching programs fail and how to fix them
💫The research-backed approach with a massive effect size on student engagement
💫How to support new teachers beyond traditional mentoring
💫Revolutionary strategies for instructional coaching that actually stick

📚 Perfect for: Teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, teacher mentors, school counselors, and anyone passionate about education transformation.

🔑 Key Takeaways: 
✅ Professional learning should mirror effective teaching strategies 
✅ Collective efficacy has the highest impact on student achievement 
✅ Classroom management starts with a collaborative school culture 
✅ Evidence-based instructional strategies require ongoing support 
✅ Teacher impact multiplies when educators work together, not in isolation

Episode Mentions:

➡️Utica University

➡️John Hattie - Meta-analysis researcher focused on student learning impact

➡️Jenn David Lang -  The Main Idea platform creator for educational book recommendations

➡️The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast

Join me and Sandy as we explore how to create professional learning that moves beyond checkbox compliance to genuine teacher growth and student empowerment. Learn the "marigold teacher" concept, discover why lesson planning alone isn't enough, and get actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

And join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. 

Chapters
0:00 Introduction: The Professional Learning Crisis 
1:00 Meet Sandy Halpin: 30 Years of Education Excellence
4:00 The Role of Teacher Centers in Professional Development 
7:00 What New Teachers Need Most: Beyond Theory to Practice 
11:00 Evidence-Required Professional Learning Model 
15:00 How to Ensure Professional Learning Reaches Students 
18:00 Curating Responsive Professional Development 
20:00 When Professional Learning Goes Wrong: Lessons Learned 
23:00 Magic Wand Question: Solving Education's Biggest Challenge 
26:00 Critical Skills Teachers Need in the Next 5 Years 
28:00 Collective Efficacy: The Highest Impact Strategy 
30:00 Advice for New Teachers: Find the Marigolds 
32:00 Professional Learning Myths Debunked 
33:00 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl

#EducationPodcast #TeacherTips #InstructionalStrategies #SchoolLeadership #NewTeachers #EducationReform #TeacherGrowth #EffectiveTeaching #EducationStrategy #TeacherImpact #Schoolutions #schoolutionsteachingstrategies

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.