Summer PD for Teachers: Choosing the Right Fit for You
As the school year winds down, many educators are already thinking ahead to the next. Whether you’re planning to sharpen your skills, explore new strategies, or meet certification requirements, summer is the perfect time for professional development (PD). But with so many options out there, how do you choose what’s right for you?
Start with Your Goals
Before jumping into a PD program, take a step back and reflect. What do you want to get out of your summer learning?
- Short-Term Goals: Are you preparing to teach a new subject or grade level next year? Do you need to refresh your understanding of your state’s standards or tackle a known gap in classroom data?
- Long-Term Goals: Are you working toward leadership, instructional coaching, or deeper subject matter expertise?
Clarifying your goals helps you select opportunities that align with both your immediate needs and career trajectory.
Choose Based on Your Role
Not all PD is the same, and that’s a good thing. Teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and interventionists all have different needs. Be sure to consider:
- Subject and Grade Level: Look for PD that aligns with your content area and the age group you teach.
- Relevance to Your State Standards: If you’re in Texas, make sure PD ties directly to the TEKS. Georgia educators? Seek out opportunities focused on the Georgia Standards of Excellence and new K-12 math and ELA standards.
- Your School or District’s Priorities: Is your school emphasizing data-driven instruction? Intervention? SEL? Pick PD that reinforces those priorities.
Explore High-Impact Summer PD Opportunities
Looking for summer PD that fits your needs and schedule? Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned instructional leader, these resources offer robust options for every subject and grade level.
Curated Lists and Searchable Databases
- BER Seminars: Professional development courses from the Bureau of Education & Research, organized by grade and subject.
- TeachersFirst Summer PD Listings: A growing library of online and in-person sessions for K–12 educators.
- We Are Teachers Summer PD Roundup: Updated annually with summer PD programs and application deadlines.
- Teaching Channel: Flexible, self-paced learning opportunities with university credit options.
Unique PD Opportunities & Programs
Some opportunities can take you off the computer and into real life experiences. While these can be very rewarding and immersive, they often also have a long application process. If these catch your eye, plan out the application process to be ready for 2026 or a future year.
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching: International travel for PD and cultural exchange.
- Teacher at Sea Program (NOAA): Join scientific research teams and bring STEM alive in your classroom.
- Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship: Field-based PD with National Geographic.
- GEEO: Travel programs for teachers that combine cultural immersion with education-based learning.
More Ideas for Summer Learning
- Earn Online Certifications: Become a Google Certified Educator or complete a Common Sense Educator course.
- Join a Virtual Learning Community: Connect with other educators in Facebook groups, such as, like Teachers Ask Teachers, Elementary Teachers Support Group, and Middle School Teachers Rock!
- Try New Tools: Summer is a great time to test edtech platforms. Many offer free trials or webinars!
- Read, Listen, and Reflect: Tune into teacher podcasts or join a PD book club with colleagues.
Bonus: Think About Summer Conferences
It may be late in the season to register, but summer education conferences can also be powerful PD experiences. If you’ve already got one on the calendar, check out our tips for getting the most out of education conferences in our recent blog post.
Final Tip: Make Your Learning Count
Before enrolling in a PD opportunity, check whether it meets any state or district professional learning requirements. Many platforms, including Progress Learning, also offer completion certificates that support PD credit hours.
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