Designing a Better Way:
My Alternative Professional Learning Model
Traditional professional learning often lacks the sustained support educators need to implement new strategies effectively. My Alternative Professional Learning Plan provides a structured, multi-phase approach to integrating Mightier, a research backed tool for self-regulation and emotional management in students with autism.
Grounded in Gopnik’s (2016) research on experiential learning and Beatty’s (2000) work on teacher-led professional growth, this plan emphasizes active engagement, coaching, and collaboration. It aligns with the 5 Principles of Effective PD, ensuring ongoing mentorship, hands-on learning, and peer-driven discussions. By incorporating PLCs, real-world applications, and interdisciplinary collaboration, educators will develop lasting strategies that enhance student emotional well-being and learning outcomes.
This comprehensive PL plan outlines audience needs, collaboration strategies, leadership roles, and a structured timeline, incorporating Mightier as a key tool for fostering self-regulation. By leveraging research-backed strategies and professional development principles, the plan empowers educators to create technology-enhanced significant learning environments (SLEs) that support both academic success and emotional growth.
Incorporating the 5 Key Principles of Effective PD
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Significant & Ongoing Duration: Professional learning will occur over an extended period with continuous follow-ups and iterative learning opportunities to ensure deep understanding and application. Educators will engage with the Mightier app over time for understanding, tracking progress in emotional regulation and integrating findings into their teaching practices for students.
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Support During Implementation: Teachers will receive mentorship, peer collaboration opportunities, and access to real-time problem-solving support. They will also have access to Mightier's implementation guides and case studies, ensuring a smooth transition into the classroom. They will also have me to help at all times.
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Active Engagement in Learning: The PL sessions will incorporate interactive workshops, real-world applications, and experiential learning to ensure active participation. Teachers will experience firsthand how students use Mightier to manage emotions and improve focus, reinforcing the app's role in fostering self-regulation.
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Modeling of Best Practices: Demonstrations of effective strategies will be provided through case studies, live coaching, and video exemplars. Educators will observe real classroom implementations of the Mightier app, showcasing effective ways to integrate biofeedback and self-regulation strategies into daily learning. I also have modeling videos for these practices.
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Content Specificity: Sessions will be tailored to grade level and students needs, ensuring relevance and applicability to each educator’s needs. Special sessions will be dedicated to adapting Mightier for different classroom settings or for new students.
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Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Educators will engage in structured peer discussions and action research projects focused on integrating Mightier for emotional regulation and classroom engagement.
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Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Teachers will have opportunities to work with colleagues across subject areas to develop interdisciplinary learning strategies that could possibly incorporate Mightier’s emotional regulation techniques into different subjects.
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Virtual Collaboration Tools: Utilize tools such as discussion boards, shared documents, and video conferencing to facilitate ongoing collaboration. A dedicated online space will allow educators to share experiences, best practices, and challenges with using Mightier in their learning environments. This will also provide a support network for schools aiming to help students, including those with autism, develop emotional regulation skills through Mightier.
Fostering Collaboration
Leadership & Facilitation
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Lead Facilitators: I will lead this initiative and include experienced teachers and administrators with expertise in technology integration and emotional regulation will guide structured PD sessions. These facilitators will introduce educators to the Mightier app, demonstrate its impact on student self-regulation, and provide strategies for seamless classroom implementation.
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Mentor Teachers: Seasoned educators who have successfully integrated Mightier into their classrooms will serve as coaches and peer mentors. They will provide 1:1 support, feedback on implementation strategies, and troubleshooting assistance for educators navigating challenges with the app.
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Teacher-Led Learning: Educators will be encouraged to share insights, best practices, and real-world applications of Mightier in their professional learning communities (PLCs). By presenting case studies and success stories, teachers will lead collaborative discussions and action research projects on the app’s effectiveness in supporting students’ emotional development.
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Who? Teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and special education professionals.
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Why? To equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to create SLEs that integrate the Mightier app and other innovative tools to support students' emotional regulation and overall learning success.​
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How?
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Provide hands-on experience with Mightier's biofeedback features
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Model best practices through demonstrations and case studies
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Deliver specialized strategies for supporting students with autism and emotional regulation challenges
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Create an online network for ongoing collaboration and resource sharing
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Audience and Their Needs
Instructional Design of My PL
Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG):
Support six children with autism in developing essential emotional regulation skills through the Mightier app, helping them gain confidence, resilience, and improved social interactions.
Resources Needed
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Gopnik (2016) – Understanding how learners develop cognitive skills.
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Toikkanen (2016) – Rethinking traditional school structures in favor of lifelong learning.
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Pope et al. (2011) – Preparing teachers for 21st-century learning.
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Beatty (2000) – Teacher-led professional development models.
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Technology: Mightier app, interactive whiteboards, collaboration software.
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Case Studies & Video Exemplars: Real-world examples of technology integration in SLEs, including footage of students using Mightier to regulate emotions and enhance focus.
References:
Beatty, B. (2000). Teacher-led professional development models: Empowering educators. Journal of Educational Leadership, 58(4), 123-132.
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Gopnik, A. (2016). The gardener and the carpenter: What the new science of child development tells us about the relationship between parents and children. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
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Pope, M., Reed, P., & Green, M. (2011). Preparing teachers for 21st-century learning: Essential skills for teaching and learning in a globalized world. Teachers College Press.
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Toikkanen, T. (2016). Rethinking traditional school structures: Building the foundation for lifelong learning. Educational Innovation Journal, 22(1), 45-59.