The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development

This book was excellent. It has helped me to design both extended PD sessions and monthly meetings. It is very thorough and takes you step-by-step through the process of designing (and thinking about designing) PD. I highly recommend adding this book to your collection

Elena Aguilar and Lori Cohen make a fantastic team and share a powerful voice in this practical, engaging book. The stories that open each chapter resonated with me in my experience putting on PD. The book offers excellent applicable resources that the authors have developed over the years as well as a compact, helpful selection of other suggested readings. Most of all, Aguilar and Cohen keep the focus on effecting transformational change for educators to improve equity for students. The chapters on emotions and power dynamics and the emphasis on valuing the wisdom and experience of adult learners have stayed with me as I plan an upcoming workshop.

I read this book over the summer, while on vacation. Here I am gladly doing laundry because I could not put it down. What I really loved about the PD book was that I learned the how & the why of planning; not just the what. It helped me understand the dynamics of adult learning as well. I feel so much more confident in planning PDs!

This book was a required purchase for a Master's level course in college. In my job, I often have to develop and facilitate PD for my co-workers and those in my school district. The book has some good thoughts on effective PD and what to consider when planning and facilitating.

A very clear and practical book which outlines a coherent framework for designing transformational professional learning and development opportunities. A book to keep coming back to

I'm reading this with a colleague as a way to process and push our PD practice for our team meetings and training and development. Each chapter re-grounds us in the why behind PD moves, offers practical ways to achieve success and examples that with application. I highly recommend this book for any planning and facilitating PD!

Her work always addresses what I’m looking for when learning how to coach teachers and provide PD. I would recommend to anyone who is just starting out or needs some refreshers.

I preordered this book as I have benefitted personally and professionally from Elena's work. This publication has given further insights into facilitation and leadership. Sometimes PD for teachers does not take into account the particular needs of adult learners, so important for school leaders and coaches. I love the focus on equity and inclusion. Thank you Elena and Lori.

Me gustaron las historias que muestran el lado real de crear espacios de aprendizaje

Since COVID I’ve led less PD than I used to and I’ve lost confidence (faith?) in my ability to teach teachers. I’ve succumbed to thinking more about my performance. Despite my qualifications in adult learning and instructional design (ie I should know better) my anxiety makes me want to teach EVERYTHING in a session.The PD Book covers all bases: generous instruction on the nitty-gritty - agendas, creating safer spaces, timing and activities, and a focus on equity, values and purpose. It reminds me of the importance of joy, connection and adults’ desire to learn. That’s the bump I needed to stop focussing on me, to feel excited about making a difference for kids and teachers, and to trust in the ‘technical’ stuff to get us there. Thank you Elena and Lori.