Staff Book Club
A staff book club gives your team a low-key way to explore new ideas, spark conversation, and grow together professionally.
20-30 min
Treats & Tidbits: Using Podcasts to Encourage Growth
A low-prep professional development idea teachers will love.
Alissa Christensen
Pair a podcast recommendation with a small treat and display both in the staff lounge for staff to grab on their own time. It's a low-prep way to encourage personal and professional growth outside of a formal setting.
Why try it
Podcasts give staff a flexible way to explore new ideas, strategies, and perspectives on their own schedule. Sharing curated recommendations alongside a small treat is a great way to encourage participation and growth for your team. Use the included participation cards to collect insights and, if you want to add a little incentive, run a monthly prize drawing with the responses.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Podcast recommendations (3-5 episodes or shows)
Candy bars, popcorn bags, or individually wrapped treats
Tape or ribbon to attach cards to treats
Basket, tray, or small display stand
Instructions
1
Choose and share your podcasts
Pull together 3-5 podcast episodes or shows focused on personal or professional growth. Aim for a mix of topics so there's something for different interests, and ask staff for suggestions to make the list feel collaborative. Then print or share the list with your team.
2
Set up the display
Set up the treats in the staff lounge or another common area. Add the included participation forms nearby with a pen so staff can grab one when they're ready.
3
Announce it
Let staff know about the display during a meeting or via a quick email. Share how to participate and mention the prize drawing if you're running one.
4
Collect and close the loop
Gather the completed participation forms at the end of the month. If you ran a drawing, announce the winner. Share a few standout takeaways with the full team to keep the conversation going.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Theme it
Build each month's display around a theme: classroom management, wellbeing, leadership, or whatever fits the current season. A focused theme gives staff a clearer sense of what to expect.
Discussion add-on
Set aside five minutes at the next staff meeting for anyone who wants to share a takeaway. Optional participation keeps it low-pressure.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Align with current goals
Choose episodes that connect to something your school is already working on. The recommendations feel more relevant and useful when they tie to a real initiative.
Leader Tip #2
Ask staff for picks
Invite staff to suggest their favorite shows or episodes. Adding a few staff-recommended options to the display increases buy-in.
Leader Tip #3
Keep it going
Run this activity every quarter to keep encouraging growth for your team.
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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