8 Things That Make or Break Your Back-to-School PD (Part 1)
From someone who’s sat through one too many “vision casting” exercises with no plan attached.
TL;DR:
Back-to-school PD sets the tone for the whole year—but most of it misses the mark. This checklist walks you through 8 things that make or break your PD plan so you can stop winging it and start building something teachers actually value. If you’re not sure where to start? Use this tool to get a personalized plan in 24 hours. No meetings. No fluff.
From someone who’s sat through one too many “vision casting” exercises with no plan attached.
There’s a strange moment every July when school leaders crack open their calendars and stare down those first few PD days. Maybe you’ve just come back from a “strategy retreat.” Maybe your whiteboard still says “2024–2025 PD Themes?” in dry erase. Either way, the pressure is real.
Everyone’s telling you it has to be strategic. But also engaging. But also tied to initiatives. But also flexible. Oh—and somehow restorative?
It’s no wonder people default to PowerPoints, pizza, and praying it’s “good enough.”
Let’s fix that. Here’s what actually makes the difference—and how to tell if your plan is helping or hurting before school even starts.
1. There’s a Goal That’s Not Vague
If your PD goal sounds like a bumper sticker—“Reconnect. Realign. Recharge.”—that’s not a goal. That’s a poster.
Make it better: Define one measurable outcome your teachers should walk away with. (Ex: Teachers can name the top 3 classroom expectations being implemented school-wide.)
2. Teachers Know Why They’re There
And no, “because it’s required” doesn’t count.
Make it better: Connect PD sessions to real classroom problems teachers are trying to solve. Make the “why” loud, specific, and teacher-centered.
3. You’re Not the Only One Talking
If your entire plan can be executed with a mic and a slideshow, we already know how your staff will feel: exhausted.
Make it better: Build in authentic teacher voice—strategy groups, small group problems to solve, reflection boards, or co-facilitation.
4. Paras and Support Staff Are Actually Included
Real talk: If your paraprofessionals are just “sitting in” on PD meant for lead teachers, you’ve already lost the thread.
Make it better: Give them tools for their job, not just generic sessions. (Try this Para Support Bundle if you’re not sure where to start.)
5. It Doesn’t Pretend Everything Is Fine
You don’t have to trauma dump, but skipping over last year’s real challenges won’t make them disappear.
Make it better: Start with truth. Invite reflection. Show that growth starts with honesty—not spin.
6. There’s Follow-Up That’s Already Scheduled
If you’re promising “more support later” but haven’t blocked time on the calendar or named who’s leading it, your teachers know it’s not real.
Make it better: Schedule your follow-up sessions now. If you don’t have capacity, build in Learning Hub access so teachers have on-demand tools aligned to your goals.
7. There’s Time to Apply What They’re Learning
Nothing kills PD energy faster than “Thanks for coming—now go plan on your own.”
Make it better: Include co-working time with clear outcomes. Let teachers start applying what they’ve learned before they go back to their classroom.
8. You’re Not Just Doing What You Did Last Year
This might be the hardest one. If your PD days look exactly like they did in 2021 (but with a new theme and slightly updated Google Slides), you’re recycling. Not improving.
Make it better: Start fresh. Get teacher feedback. Or use our Instant Proposal Tool to get a completely personalized PD plan in 24 hours. No meetings. No fluff. Just a clear plan.
Ready to Build Something Better?
Teachers talk. And what they say about those first few PD days sets the tone for the whole year.
If you want to avoid the eye rolls, wasted hours, and another year of “meh,” now’s the time to get it right.
Not sure if TDI is a good fit? Start here: teachersdeserveit.com/vsl-landing-page
Want us to send you a custom quote?
Try the Instant Proposal Tool with answers to these 3 questions:
How many staff members would this support?
What’s your biggest focus or PD priority right now?
What makes your team unique?
We’ll handle the rest. No awkward sales calls. No pressure.
Just real support. Built by real teachers.