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The Future of Professional Learning: Connecting Educators Across Borders

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W206A

Panel
Streaming Session
Recorded Session
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Session description

In a post-pandemic, AI-enhanced world, professional learning is shifting from workshops to global communities. Panelists explore virtual conferences, micro-mentorships, and networked PD models that empower educators to share expertise and grow continuously. Discover practical strategies for building sustainable, connected professional learning ecosystems.

Outline

Opening Frame: The PD Revolution (10 min)
Moderator introduces shift from isolated workshops to connected ecosystems
Quick poll: “How did you experience most of your PD in the past 5 years?”
Context: Post-pandemic opportunities, AI capabilities, global connectivity
Introduce guiding questions

Panel Showcase: Models in Action (35 min)
Model 1: Virtual Conferences at Scale – GLOW’s global event model with 800+ participants from 92 countries, pay-what-you-can access, hybrid design.
Model 2: Educator-Led Micro-Mentorship Networks – Peer learning across borders, using digital tools to overcome barriers.
Model 3: AI-Enhanced Personalized PD Pathways – AI-curated learning and mentor matching with human connection.
Model 4: District-Level Global Partnerships – Building sustainable international PD collaborations and measuring impact.

Audience Engagement + Resources (15 min)
Interactive Q&A via chat and live discussion
Audience shares one PD model to explore this year

Resource roundup: virtual conference platforms, AI tools, templates for micro-communities

Closing reflection: Building your PLN action plan
Engagement Tactics:
Live polling, chat prompts, collaborative document for shared resources

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Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to:

Design connected professional development ecosystems that extend beyond traditional workshops to include ongoing virtual communities, peer networks, and cross-border collaborations.

Leverage AI tools to personalize and enhance professional learning through intelligent mentor matching, translation tools, and adaptive pathways.

Join and contribute to international professional learning networks using practical strategies for finding, evaluating, and sustaining global educator communities.

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Supporting research

Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. (2017). Effective Teacher Professional

Development. Learning Policy Institute.
OECD (2022). Teacher and School Leader Development Study.

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Presenters

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Educator
EMSB
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Library Assistant
Northbrook Public Library

Moderator

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Director of K-12 and Teacher Education
Institute for Humane Education
ISTE & ASCD Book Author

Session specifications

Topic:

Professional Learning and Development

Grade level:

PK-12

Audience:

Government/Nonprofit, Teacher Development, Teacher

Attendee devices:

Devices useful

Attendee device specification:

Smartphone: Android, iOS, Windows
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: Android, iOS, Windows

Subject area:

Teacher Education, Technology Education

ISTE Standards:

For Educators: Learner, Collaborator
For Students: Empowered Learner

Transformational Learning Principles:

Ensure Opportunity, Develop Expertise

Influencer Disclosure:

This session includes a presenter that indicated a “material connection” to a brand that includes a personal, family or employment relationship, or a financial relationship. See individual speaker menu for disclosure information.