What Veteran Teachers Wish We'd Talk About at PD

Every year, we ask our veteran teachers to do more with less: mentor new staff, lead committees, fill in gaps. But when was the last time we asked them what they need?

If you're a veteran teacher reading this, you know what I'm talking about. You know the sting of sitting through another PD session that ignores your experience — or worse, wastes your time with the same old slides you've seen recycled for the past five years.

Here's what I know: your wisdom is the backbone of every great campus culture. But you can't pour from an empty cup. And right now, too many seasoned educators are burning out — not because they can't do the work, but because we forget to feed their fire.

Beyond The Lesson is for you, too. The conversations and Study Guide create space for honest reflection and renewal. Not surface-level "rah-rah," but real questions about whether you're still connected to what first called you to this work — and what might need to change to stay in it.

When we treat reflection, real talk, and community as who we are — not just something extra we "do" when we have time — our profession starts to look different. That's the paradigm shift we need: professional development that respects the wisdom in the room and invites us to see ourselves and our purpose more clearly.

You've earned the right to resources that match your experience.

👉 Explore free resources for veteran teachers at WeAreAcademicAllies.com

Next week, we'll look at how to make PLCs real conversations again — not just boxes to check.