FEBRUARY 26, 2026
I will proudly say that I identify as a nerd. I love learning new things, exploring topics I’ve never heard of before, and diving deep into the nuances of how things work. Because of my nerdiness, I love professional development trainings. Not only does it feed my thirst for knowledge, but it also allows me to share what I’ve learned with everyone around me, my peers, teachers, young people, and anyone who will listen.
Some people do not share the same kind of enthusiasm, and I can understand their perspective. Teachers, for example, are my primary audience for professional development training, and historically, they have a million other things on their plates. Adding on an hours-long professional development training can feel daunting.
Adding another thing to their never-ending to-do list can be stressful, which is why I believe it’s imperative that, as trainers, we make professional development as stress-free as possible.
I see teachers as real-life superheroes: They get up early for class, stand on their feet all day to teach, then work all night grading papers and prepping for after-school clubs. Adding another thing to their never-ending to-do list can be stressful, which is why I believe it’s imperative that, as trainers, we make professional development as stress-free as possible. Throughout my time training for U Choose, I have learned some strategies to ensure that teachers leave sessions feeling that the training was a good use of their time.
Create a comfortable environment
I have led professional development sessions in a variety of different settings: libraries, old school buildings, auditoriums, and new classrooms with high-tech smart boards. No matter where you end up, it’s important that you make the environment as inviting as possible. If the room is a little warm, try opening some windows to let in a fresh breeze. Turn on some lo-fi music, so when participants walk in, they’re welcomed with the relaxing sounds of chill beats. Greet them with a smile and make them feel seen and special because they are!
Embrace the fidget
Another thing I’ve realized is that when it comes to learning while moving, adults are just young people in bigger bodies. Adults, like our young people, LOVE fidget toys (my personal favorites are tangle puzzles and flip cubes). I enjoy placing a few different fidget toys on their desks and watching them relax as they listen to my presentation. It’s a simple but effective tool for focus and relaxation.
Let them decorate
Another fun tip is to treat the training like the first day of school. On that day, every student gets a name tag and desk tent to personalize, and adults love that, too! Participants really get into decorating their desk tents with their names and doodle fun designs that represent their personalities. Giving them ownership over their space creates a sense of belonging and opens the door for introductions and conversations.
Encourage them to “be the expert”
Sure, the trainer is technically the “expert” in the material, but there is a wealth of knowledge in the room that others (including you!) can benefit from. Of course, the trainer may know the answer, but it’s powerful to turn questions back to the participants and ask what they know about a topic, or whether they’ve dealt with a situation mentioned in the training.
One of my favorite practices during training is establishing group agreements, which are a set of guidelines everyone agrees to follow to ensure the space is safe, respectful, and focused on learning. One of the agreements I always like to include is maintaining a “learning mindset” and leading with grace, curiosity, and patience. I always follow up by reiterating that even though I may be leading the training, I do not have all the answers. I’m always eager to learn from participants and hear about their experiences. This approach also creates a pathway for them to lean on each other. They ask each other questions, get advice, and often exchange contact information, so they have someone to turn to for support. It’s a great way for participants to build camaraderie within the learning environment.
Involve them in the training
Trainings can range from a couple hours to a full day, which means there is often a lot of information to absorb. While there will be times when you need to share a significant amount of content, it’s important to lean away from talking at them and instead involve them in the learning process.
Remember how I said that adults are just like big kids? It’s the same thing here! They want to talk, move around, and have fun. Build time in the training for participants to get out of their seats and engage with others. Put them in small groups, have them act out a scene, or hand them a mic to present a big idea to the larger group. Encourage them to call out answers if you ask them a question. The more they move and interact, the more energy flows throughout the room. Create fun, engaging activities that stimulate their minds and make learning enjoyable.
Ultimately, professional development can be fun, and it’s our job as trainers to make it that way.
Photo By: Alexander Grey
