Rethinking Professional Learning Overcome Funding Challenges Through Narrative, Reflection, and Practical Engagement

Introduction

In the evolving landscape of education, few constants remain. One that does is the critical importance of professional learning for educators and school leaders. And yet, in times of budget uncertainty and heightened accountability, professional development (PD) is often one of the first things scrutinized—or sacrificed.

While summer is often seen as a rare window for professional development, it also comes with unique pitfalls. The importance of professional development for teachers and other educators is undeniable; however, traditional summer PD frequently falls short due to timing constraints, uneven attendance, and engagement drop-off. That’s where online professional development for teachers through simulations can shift the paradigm.

SchoolSims, a leading provider of experiential learning through simulations, is proud to support Schools of Education across the country. This initiative specifically targets higher education programs preparing teacher candidates and educational leadership candidates.

Developing new skills or changing behaviors is an ongoing journey—one with no final destination. As we navigate through life, we continually evolve, adding new skills and adapting our behaviors to meet changing circumstances. Sometimes this process is intentional, guided by deliberate learning and structured development. Other times, we are challenged to keep pace with unexpected demands. Regardless of how it unfolds, this journey consists of two key components.

Leadership isn’t just about theory—it’s about making decisions, handling challenges, and learning from experience. This blog explores how simulations and self-debriefing help aspiring school leaders bridge the gap between knowledge and real-world application. Discover why reflection is a crucial part of experiential learning and how it fosters confident, capable leadership.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the education sector, enabling institutions to harness data more effectively, address complex challenges, and improve outcomes for students, educators, and administrators. At its core, AI serves as a tool to enhance understanding and inform decision-making, offering innovative ways to foster growth and resilience within educational systems. This article explores the motivation behind our new AI-driven dashboards, their purpose, and their role in addressing pressing needs in both higher education and K-12 school environments.

As we enter 2025, it’s the perfect time for educators to reflect on their professional growth and set new resolutions. Continuous learning is essential for adapting to new challenges, improving teaching practices, and fostering student success. Professional development (PD) should be an ongoing priority, not just a one-time event. Here’s how educators can make learning a priority in 2025.

As industries strive to keep pace with rapid change, innovative approaches to learning and development have become essential. For years, the business world has leveraged simulation-based training to upskill employees, build leadership, and enhance real-time decision-making in high-stakes environments. While simulations are a staple in corporate training, their potential in education is vast yet largely untapped. Could the very tools that have reshaped corporate learning be adapted to transform the way our educators and school leaders approach learning?

The University of Maryland’s Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement School Improvement Leadership Academy (SILA) recently convened a group of seven assistant principals for a follow-up session designed to deepen their leadership skills. Part of SILA’s mission is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based professional learning for Maryland principals and assistant principals in the academy. Dr. Douglas Anthony, Director of the EdD in School System Leadership, shared that sessions are designed for school-based leaders to examine and grapple with the intersection of equity, instruction, and improvement in their daily practice.