Communications

Professional Development Prompts

Getting Started

What should I consider when developing a powerful professional development session for [insert target audience – be as specific as you can]?
What obstacles should I plan for when developing a professional development session for [insert target audience – be as specific as you can]?
How can I facilitate meaningful professional development sessions that also strengthen team bonds?

Event Planning

Create a list of [insert a number] possible titles for an upcoming [insert event – conference, professional development session, welcome back luncheon, training] for [insert audience]. The main goals of the event are [insert goals].
Design a professional development workshop for [insert grades and subjects taught, experience level with AI, number of teachers being trained, etc.], teachers focusing on the effective use of AI to facilitate brainstorming sessions. The session should include practical demonstrations of AI tools in action, ensuring that human oversight remains central to the process. The training session is [# of minutes].

Feedback

Create a [insert number of questions] survey to evaluate participant perceptions of a professional development session. My sure to ask a question(s) about [insert something you want to know].
Create a survey to access how participants used what they learned in a previous professional development session on [insert the topic].

Ice Breakers/Warm-ups/Entrance Activities

Provide a list of [Ice breakers/Warm-ups/Entrance Activities] to use at a [describe the meeting, training session/event] for [insert audience]. There will be [insert length] minutes on this topic. There will be [insert number of people] in the training group. The training objectives are [insert success criteria/learning targets/outcomes/goals]. [Insert any other training requirements or preferences.]
Create a list of topics for a professional development session on leadership for new superintendents.
What are some innovative approaches to increase engagement in professional development workshops?
How can I personalize professional development plans for different leadership levels? Provide strategies to support the retention and growth of women and underrepresented groups in school leadership.
Draft a workshop plan based on the information provided below:
1. Customize each section with specific information relevant to the training objective.

2. Ensure all activities and materials are aligned with the training objectives.

3. Consider including a variety of instructional methods to engage participants.

4. Plan for feedback and evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the training.

Cut and paste the portions of the lesson plan format that you want from the information below, or provide your own sample.

Title: [Insert Title of Training]

Training Goal(s): [Insert goals] Outline the objectives for the training. What skills or knowledge should participants gain by the end of the session?

Objective 1: State a clear, measurable goal

Objective 2: State a clear, measurable goal

Objective 3: State a clear, measurable goal

Target Audience: [Describe the participants who will attend the training. Include details such as their roles, experience levels, their prior knowledge on this topics, and any specific needs they may have.]

Content Overview:
Break down the main topics and subtopics to be covered in the session. Ensure each topic aligns with the learning objectives.

1. **Introduction:** Brief overview of the session and its relevance Icebreaker or introductory activity

2. **Main Topics:**

**Topic 1:** [Description]

Subtopic A: [Details]

Subtopic B: [Details]

**Topic 2:** [Description]

Subtopic A: [Details]

Subtopic B: [Details]

**Topic 3:** [Description]

Subtopic A: [Details]

Subtopic B: [Details]

3. **Conclusion:**

Summary of key points

Final thoughts or questions

**Instructional Methods:**

Describe the methods and activities that will be used to facilitate learning. Include a mix of teaching styles to cater to different learning preferences.

**Method 1:** [e.g., Lecture, Group Discussion, Workshop]

**Method 2:** [e.g., Hands-On Activity, Case Study]

**Method 3:** [e.g., Role-Playing, Interactive Q&A]

**Materials and Resources:**

List the materials, resources, and tools needed for the training.

**Materials:** [e.g., Handouts, Slides, Videos]

**Resources:** [e.g., Online Articles, Books]

**Tools:** [e.g., Projector, Whiteboard]

**Evaluation and Assessment:**

Explain how the participants’ learning will be assessed. Include both formative and summative assessment strategies.

**Assessment Type:** [e.g., Quiz, Feedback Form]

**Evaluation Method:** [e.g., Peer Review, Self-Assessment]

**Follow-up Activities:**

Suggest activities or resources for participants to explore after the training to reinforce their learning.

**Activity 1:** [e.g., Online Course, Reading Material]

**Activity 2:** [e.g., Project, Discussion Forum]

**Feedback Mechanism:**

Describe how feedback will be collected from participants to improve future training sessions.

**Feedback Tool:** [e.g., Survey, Verbal Feedback]

**Feedback Collection Time:** [e.g., End of Session, Follow-Up Email]

Mentoring

You are a [insert your title/role]. Please respond to the [attached email below]. The tone of the email response should be [formal, conversational, friendly, invitational, etc.]              
The email must include [insert pertinent information]. After the receiver reads the email response they should feel [valued, heard, prepared, informed, etc.]                       
Upload or copy and paste the body of the email to which you are seeking a response.

Overcoming Resistance

Provide ideas for professional development sessions that will encourage educators to embrace change and new technologies.
What are the best practices for designing professional development sessions that foster collaboration and innovation among teachers?
You are a change coach who supports school district leaders in preventing and overcoming educator resistance to change. Please help me prepare to communicate with [insert titles and grade levels/course] about [insert a brief description of the change]. Please draft separate scripts for what to communicate based on the settings below:
1. Staff meeting
ii. One-on-one meeting with an overtly resistant staff member.
iii. Communication to all staff.
iv. Grade-level or department meeting.

Self-growth

You are a [insert your title] who wants to [improve/learn/enhance your skills] in the following area [insert topic]. You have [amount of time per day/week/month] to work on this goal. Please develop a professional growth plan.
Please play the role of a leadership coach who specializes in helping educational leaders build upon their past successes. I need your help to analyze a recent success that I've had with a project so that I may identify specific successful leadership actions that I took. My goal is to uncover actions I can incorporate into future initiatives.
Please teach me how to [Insert what you want to learn], by asking me a series of questions one at a time. Start with the basics and then increase the level of difficulty. When I don’t answer a question correctly or my answer is incomplete, provide the missing information and require me to respond again.

Staff Development & Support

What are some effective ways to identify and nurture leadership potential within my staff?
How can I provide individualized support to staff members while maintaining a cohesive team dynamic?
What are the best practices for offering constructive feedback that motivates and empowers my staff?
How can I develop a mentorship program that fosters professional growth and strengthens staff relationships?
What strategies can I use to support the well-being of my staff while also driving performance?
Please create a table listing ways schools can proactively and reactively respond to AI deepfakes and bullying. Be sure to include ways to support victims.
Instructional coaching is among the most effective forms of professional development for classroom teachers. But doing coaching right is resource-intensive and hard to scale. How can artificial intelligence fill in the gaps?

The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) is an organization anchored in leadership, trust, and advocacy. WASA is, first and foremost, about leadership for equity and excellence for all students.