Addressing Teacher PD Burnout with Tech Take Out

This post was written by Emily Cowan.

For me, and many of my colleagues, this year has been particularly hard getting teachers to attend live Professional Development. They’re burnt out, they’re stretched thin and their “planning” time is being used to catch up or cover for other teachers. Just this year I’ve offered morning PD, lunch & learns, and after school “Appy Hours” – all with virtual options… each offered little to no success. A couple teachers would show up here and there, but never the numbers I’ve seen in the past.

In one of my districts, teacher’s contracts state they have to stay 20 minutes beyond the dismissal of students. One of my teachers recommended I try to capitalize on that time to provide some quick PD. In brainstorming with a coworker, she suggested having a “grab & go” style PD option… and that is where the idea of “Tech Take Out” started. 

I launched my Tech Take Out to one of my schools back in November. It started as an opportunity for drop in PD. I created a hand out for teachers to grab & go or they could stay to learn live, with me. The hand out included two instructional tools and strategies – one appetizer  which was a small tip or trick and the main course which was a little more substantial…but still under 10 minutes. Each menu item had a QR code that took them to a website, template or pre-recorded video. Of course, being “take out” I packaged the flyer and a treat in a brown paper bag. I do homemade treats when possible because I have found the teachers truly appreciate it. It was the first time I had more than four or five people show up to PD all year, but 13 teachers still wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to reach as many teachers as possible.. And meet them where they were at. So in the last 5 months, this “bite sized PD.. to go” has evolved.

Now, Tech Take Out is a door to door “delivery” service. During my one day a month in the building, I spend part of my day delivering the PD to each teacher’s room. It gives me the opportunity to check in 1-on-1 with each teacher, ensure they get my PD menu, and surprise them with a treat. This delivery service has opened the door to plenty of in-the-moment coaching opportunities and has helped build rapport. It has truly transformed and extended my reach within the building.

Like I said, this has evolved over time due to trial and error so I want to share a few more tips so you can learn from me:

1. Make sure you’re sharing resources in a way that you can track analytics. For example, YouTube for their view count or bit.ly for their click count. This will help you decipher if this style of PD is really working for you.
2. Not getting the views or clicks you’re hoping for? Follow up with teachers about “Dining & Dashing!” This idea came from Katie… and it was a hit. The analytics for the Tech Take Out increased the month I called them out! (Hopefully this goes without saying, but it was a truly playful email sent – not at all an attack on my teachers!)
3. Offer more than one way to access the content. I found my teachers didn’t love QR codes because they didn’t know how to access a scanner on their computers. So I started sharing a QR code scanner link in my email letting them know their PD was on it’s way. I also started including a bit.ly for those who found that easier.
4. One of my districts has morning PD time every day, so instead of delivering to their door, I deliver to their mailbox so they can get it at the start of their day and spend that PD time exploring the tools, tips and tricks.

After initially sharing this idea on twitter, I had such great feedback from other coaches. I have seen so many creative ways they’ve made it their own – including using Chinese food take out containers. If you bring Tech Take Out to your school or district make sure to use #TechTakeOut and tag me @cowan_em – I love seeing this idea spread!

Tech To You Later!
-Emily

About Emily
Emily Cowan has been an Instructional Design Coach at Forward Edge for three years. During that time she has become a Google Certified Teacher, Trainer and Coach. She has provided professional development and coaching to a variety of PK-12 grade teachers in multiple districts across the Cincinnati area as well as Columbus, Ohio and Maysville, Kentucky. Prior to this role, Emily earned her degree in Middle Level Education, with specialization in Language Arts and Science. She taught for six years predominantly in 6th grade. She has a wide range of experience having worked in both urban and rural settings.