The Why: I’ve experienced firsthand the limitations of the current “sit and get” PL model within our district. While the activities modeled during these sessions give us a glimpse of expectations, they often lack depth or the sustained support necessary to implement them effectively in our classrooms. As Pre-K teachers, we need professional learning that actively involves us, offering opportunities to practice, reflect, and adapt strategies with ongoing support. The “go & show” or alternate model of PL seems to be the answer because it would allow us to engage more deeply with the content and address the practical challenges we face when trying to implement new strategies with our very young learners.

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What motivated me to explore this alternative approach is the belief that a more hands-on, collaborative learning experience will benefit our classrooms, enabling us to experiment with new strategies in real time and reflect on them with our peers. This model not only provides initial exposure but also fosters an ongoing cycle of learning, which is essential for making lasting changes in practice.

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The What: For this presentation, I created a multimedia piece that highlights the shortcomings of the current PL model and demonstrates how the “go & show” model could better support Pre-K teachers. The media will include examples of how PL could be more interactive and aligned with the actual needs of teachers working with young children. I will showcase visuals that model how teachers can be actively engaged in the learning process, such as through peer observations, small group collaborations, and practical demonstrations that are specific to our grade level.

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The How: The process of creating this work involved reflecting on my experiences attending district PL sessions and considering what could have made those sessions more valuable. I gathered feedback from colleagues in my Pre-K department to understand common challenges we all face. Through this, I developed a narrative that outlines why the current model isn’t enough and how the "go & show" model would better meet our needs. I also incorporated principles from Duarte’s structure to create an engaging and clear presentation, ensuring that it addresses the five key principles of effective PL, such as duration, modeling, and discipline-specific content. The visuals I created help to support this narrative, showing a more collaborative, action-driven model of professional learning.