School Leaders: What Happens AFTER the Workshop? Research-Based Approaches to PD Implementation

Date: Friday, June 13, 2025

Time: 8:30am–12:30pm Hawaii, 11:30am-3:30pm Pacific, 1:30-5:30pm Central, 2:30-6:30pm Eastern

Location: Online Via Zoom

Cost: $75

"What happens AFTER the workshop?" This interactive session, designed for K12 leaders who influence professional learning in their schools, explores factors that increase successful transfer of professional development to practice.

Drawing from her recent research, Dr. Wicht guides participants through six key factors that enhance PD implementation and return on investment. Through practical examples and collaborative discussions, attendees will:

Assess current professional development systems
Evaluate job-embedded support structures
Develop action plans for strengthening implementation

This 4-hour workshop combines whole-group dialogue with small-group work, allowing participants to create before, during, and after PD strategies, embedding six key factors and tailored to their unique contexts.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

Participants will be able to:

Identify six key factors that support successful transfer of professional development to practice
Reflect on school culture and climate related to ongoing professional learning
Evaluate current implementation supports within their educational context
Develop action steps for strengthening specific key factors to enhance professional learning transfer

WORKSHOP AGENDA

8:30 - 8:50 Welcome and Setting the Stage

Tech Check and Norm Setting
Opening Poll: Current PD Transfer Challenges
Workshop Overview

8:50 - 9:20 Research Foundation

Six Key Factors Presentation
Structured Chat: Implementation Experiences
Check for Understanding Small Group Turn and Talk (Breakout Rooms)

9:20 - 10:05 Assessing Current Context

Evaluating Current PD Systems (Breakout Rooms)
Success/Challenge Mapping (Virtual Whiteboard/Live Platform)
Large Group Share: Common Themes

10:05 - 10:15 Break (10 minutes)

10:15 - 10:40 Building Implementation Support

Introduction to Planning Framework
Before/During/After PD Checklist (Independent)
Large Group Q&A

10:40 - 11:40 Action Planning

Site-Specific Planning (Breakout Rooms)
Small Group Consultancy Protocol
Strategy Sharing (Jigsaw)

11:40 - 12:10 Moving Forward

Implementation Development–timeline, teammates, outstanding questions, measuring success
Large Group Discussion: Anticipating Challenges (Intentional Networking)
Mapping Next Steps and Support Needs

12:10 - 12:30 Closure

Review Key Takeaways
Action Commitments (Shared Document)
Session Evaluation

ABOUT THE FACILTIATOR

Dr. Sara L. Wicht is an instructional designer and DEI strategist with 30+ years of experience developing transformative learning solutions. Her research-based approach focuses on creating culturally responsive curricula and professional development programs that drive measurable change. She helps schools and organizations through Wicht Consulting, Inc., specializing in custom curriculum development, e-learning design, IDI assessment, intercultural coaching, leadership development, and program evaluation.

Wicht’s doctoral research on professional development transfer shapes her evidence-based methodology for creating lasting impact. Their work includes co-authoring the widely adopted Social Justice Standards, leading content creation for Black History in Two Minutes teaching guides, and producing lesson plans to support the development of digital literacy, social-emotional, technology, and critical thinking skills. Wicht specializes in instructional design, professional learning facilitation, and relationship building.

Dr. Wicht lives in St. Paul, MN, where she enjoys exploring local trails and the vibrant music scene.

THIS WORKSHOP IS DESIGNED FOR

K-12 teacher leaders, administrators, curriculum specialists, and PD coordinators responsible for professional learning communities and professional development plans at building and district levels