By Steve Murley, former Superintendent of Schools for Green Bay Area Public Schools (WI), Superintendent Emeritus for ERDI, Lead Instructor for the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program (Midwest Cohort), and Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Education, Educational Policy and Leadership Studies Department.

As educators, we know the importance of differentiated instruction for students. Each learner comes to the classroom with unique strengths, challenges, and needs. However, the same principle holds true for professional development (PD). Teachers and staff at various stages of their careers, with different roles and responsibilities, require tailored learning opportunities to thrive. This is where edWeb shines, offering a dynamic platform to differentiate PD and meet educators exactly where they are.

Meeting Diverse Needs with Flexible Solutions

The challenge of providing meaningful PD is magnified by the diversity of school staff. Teachers, paraprofessionals, early childhood educators, counselors, administrators, and specialists all need specific, relevant learning experiences. edWeb addresses this by offering a vast array of professional learning communities (PLCs) and webinars tailored to different roles, subject areas, and interests. From arts integration to social-emotional learning, edWeb ensures every educator finds value.

Take, for example, the top 20% of educators in a district. These are the trailblazers and emerging leaders who are ready to innovate and mentor others. edWeb provides advanced learning opportunities to cultivate their skills and prepare them for leadership roles. Conversely, educators in need of additional support—those who may be struggling but hesitant to admit it—can access targeted resources privately and on demand, helping them gain confidence and competence without stigma.

Customized PD for Administrators and Coaches

Leadership and instructional coaching roles are evolving rapidly. Many newly promoted administrators and coaches find themselves navigating their responsibilities without adequate resources. edWeb fills this gap by providing high-quality content on leadership development, coaching strategies, and curriculum implementation. With flexible access, these leaders can explore materials on their schedules, empowering them to better support their teams.

One of edWeb’s strengths is enabling differentiated PD at scale. Building-level leaders can use its content to organize effective PD sessions during early release days or staff meetings. Instead of one-size-fits-all training, edWeb’s resources allow for personalized assignments and group discussions, creating a richer and more impactful professional learning environment.

Creating a Culture of Continuous Growth

Differentiated PD is about more than addressing current needs; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous growth. edWeb encourages districts to ask critical questions: “How are we growing our best?” and “What are we doing for those who need extra support?” By offering expansive, high-quality resources, edWeb empowers districts to set a baseline expectation for all staff while providing opportunities for individual growth. It’s an approach that acknowledges the diverse ecosystem of a school community and ensures no one is left behind.

Leveraging Technology for Access and Engagement

In today’s fast-paced educational environment, accessibility is key. edWeb’s virtual and autonomous learning options break down traditional barriers, enabling educators to learn at their own pace and from any location. This flexibility not only accommodates busy schedules but also promotes engagement by allowing educators to choose the topics most relevant to their roles and goals.

As districts face increasing budget constraints, leveraging cost-effective solutions like edWeb becomes imperative. With its ability to provide differentiated, impactful PD for all staff—from new teachers to seasoned administrators—edWeb is transforming professional learning into an equitable and empowering experience.

Differentiation is the cornerstone of effective teaching, and it should be the cornerstone of professional learning as well. With edWeb, schools and districts can unlock the potential of every educator, building a stronger, more dynamic learning community for all.

Connect with Steve Murley on LinkedIn.

Contact the edWeb Team to learn more about edWeb professional learning solutions.