What this is
Ongoing, context-specific, job-embedded PD on technology, AI, media literacy, and digital wellness — covering new-hire onboarding, annual training, and differentiated pathways by role, subject, and experience level.
Why it matters
One-shot workshops produce limited durable change. Structured, ongoing PD — including real onboarding for new hires — is what brings district policies and curriculum expectations into classroom practice. PD is where every upstream decision either lands or evaporates.
Connects to
ISTE Essential Condition: Ongoing Professional Learning. The Framework: Condition #3 (Mentoring & Modeling).
Maturity levels
Not Started
No systematic tech, AI, or media PD. Training happens only when tools change or crises hit. New hires receive no structured orientation on district tech/AI policy or curriculum expectations.
Emerging
Occasional workshops, typically one-shot and tool-focused rather than pedagogy-focused. PD on AI, media literacy, or digital wellness is uneven. New-hire onboarding varies building-by-building; some get a real orientation, others are told to "figure it out."
Established
PD plan covers tech, AI, media literacy, and digital wellness with multi-session structure, grade-band and subject differentiation, and an annual cycle. All new hires complete structured onboarding on district tech/AI policy, curriculum expectations, AI use guidelines, and data privacy practices. PD is tied to evaluation or growth framework.
Expanding
PD is continuous, job-embedded, and teacher-driven. Differentiated by role, subject, and experience. Includes peer-led learning, protected time for practice and reflection, and teacher-authored content. Outcomes tracked (not just attendance). Onboarding is a sustained multi-week program, integrated with coaching (3.2).
Go deeper with
Example resource
Learning Forward Standards for Professional Learning
Also consider
- ISTE Certified Educator program — credentialed pathway for tech-integration PD
- Future Ready Schools PD frameworks
- State DOE PD resources and state-approved PD providers
- TeachAI Toolkit — PD-specific resources for AI integration