5-Minute Professional Development Ideas for Teachers
Five simple, low-prep ideas for supporting staff growth and building confidence throughout the year.
5 min
5-Minute Personal Growth Ideas for School Leaders
Five quick, low-prep ideas principals can use to support professional growth.
Alissa Christensen
Five simple, low-prep ideas for supporting staff growth and building confidence throughout the school year. Each one takes five minutes or less and can be worked into a regular school day without extra planning.
Why try it
Small, consistent gestures go a long way in supporting professional growth. When staff feel seen and encouraged, they're more likely to take initiative, try new things, and bring that energy into their classrooms. These five ideas give leaders a starting point, and each one is easy enough to try tomorrow.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Pick one idea
Choose whichever option fits your schedule or your team's current needs. Switch it up whenever your team needs a personal growth boost.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Classroom drop-in
Stop by a teacher's room for a few minutes. Afterward, share one specific thing you noticed, a creative lesson approach, an engagement strategy, or a moment with students.
Public shoutout
Mention a staff member by name during morning announcements, in your weekly newsletter, or at the start of a staff meeting. Name what they did and why it stood out.
Encouragement note
Write a short note and leave it on a teacher's desk or in their mailbox. Keep it specific to something you've noticed about their work. Add a small treat alongside it if you want to make it extra memorable.
Informal check-in
Spend a few minutes in the staff lounge or catch someone in the hallway. Ask how their week is going or what they're working on.
Quick win share
At the start of a staff meeting, ask everyone to share one recent little win or positive moment in 30 seconds or less. It gets people talking and gives staff a chance to celebrate each other before diving in.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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