PL4PL: Insights for Learning Leaders

As you finalize your professional learning plans for August, now is the perfect time to revisit what resonated most with your fellow educators over the past year. Whether you’re designing new teacher induction sessions, planning campus learning days, or curating resources for instructional coaches, a little inspiration can go a long way.

To support your planning, we’re sharing the Top 5 most-read blog posts from the 2024–2025 year. These reader favorites highlight thoughtful, actionable ideas for those who lead professional learning, like reimagining book studies, designing with learner personas in mind, and activating adult learners with purpose and energy.

We hope these posts provide just the right spark as you shape meaningful learning experiences for the year ahead, and that they serve as a reminder that great professional learning starts with intentional design.

Wishing you a purposeful and inspiring start to the new school year!

Reimagining Book Studies - Ready to bring new life to your book studies? In this month’s post, explore creative strategies to make book studies more engaging, collaborative, and actionable. Whether you’re working with your PLC, campus, or team, these ideas will help you turn reading into meaningful learning and professional growth.

Supercharge Your Professional Learning: Strategies to Activate and Engage Adult Learners - Supercharge your next professional learning session with practical strategies that activate engagement and motivation in adult learners. From setting the right conditions for success to using purposeful movement and tracking progress, these simple techniques will energize your participants and keep them connected throughout the session. Ready to take your facilitation to the next level? Check out the full post now!

Designing with Learner Personas in Mind - This month’s post explores how understanding your audience through learner personas can elevate professional learning experiences. By reflecting on learners’ preferences and needs, this approach encourages more inclusive, participant-centered designs. Whether you’re planning workshops, coaching sessions, or events, learner personas offer a practical tool for creating meaningful and impactful learning environments.

Collaboration Skills for Learning Leaders - Kathryn had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Thomas Van Soelen, a longtime educator, leader, and presenter for Learning Forward and Learning Forward Texas. Their conversation explored a few of the eight essential skills that make collaboration truly effective and why educators need explicit instruction in how to work together—not just the assumption that they already know how.

Exploring Chatbots in Education and Professional Learning - This month's post examines the role of AI chatbots in education, with a focus on their applications in professional learning. You'll find examples of customized chatbots that enhance engagement, provide support, and personalize learning experiences. The post also encourages a thoughtful approach to integrating AI into your work. AI will be an optional topic in the Newly Updated Tips and Tools for Professional Learning 2.