Lesson Objectives

• Understand why traditional professional development methods often fall short

• Learn how to apply modern content marketing principles to educational training

• Discover the power of providing immediate value through free resources

Do Now

Before we get started, take a moment to reflect on your last professional development session. What made it memorable - or forgettable? How long did it take before you could apply what you learned?

What We’re Working with Today

Today we'll explore how I transformed a traditional assessment report writing training into an engaging, value-packed experience that had teachers implementing changes immediately—not just taking notes for "someday."

I have taken A LOT of courses online in the second half of 2024. The biggest lessons I have applied directly to my work in special education:

• Trust is built by adding value, not by your title, degrees, experience, or revenue/income.

  • Application: Trust and respect are earned, not demanded. Talk to your staff. Get to know them.

• People don’t care about what you know. They care about how you can solve their problems.

  • Application: Don’t start a negotiation with what you want. Negotiate with what you can provide.

• The more you give away for free now (the more value you add), the more people will want to buy from you later.

  • Application: The more value you provide at work now, the more people will buy into your ideas later.

I Do, We Do, You Do

I Do: Here’s the Magic

Last week, our extensive needs TOSA and I delivered what I would say is our best professional development session to date. It was on assessment report writing—a topic that could be absolutely mind-numbing. However, instead of the usual "sit and get" presentation, we flipped the script.

Tools we used:

• SPED Assessment Process Map

• Ready-to-use AI prompts

• Quick-start implementation guides

• Detailed walkthrough of how to go from areas of need —> progress monitoring for baselines —> goals

A huge side note here—a major requirement for this to be successful is a strong co-presenter. Our TOSA has such depth and breadth of knowledge and the two of us work really well together.

**When you find strong people, dedicate a significant amount of time on retaining them.

We Do: Let’s Build This Together

Follow this step-by-step guide to transform your next PD session:

1. Start with Immediate Value

   • Create a resource package attendees can use TODAY

   • Share it within the first 5 minutes of your session

   • Include templates, prompts, and examples

2. Model Real-Time Implementation

   • Show, don't tell

   • Demonstrate live how to use the resources

   • Address common challenges as they arise

3. Build Trust Through Abundance

   • Give away your "best stuff" upfront

   • Share success stories and specific examples

   • Provide multiple formats (written, video, templates)

4. Foster Immediate Application

   • Include implementation time during the session

   • Create small wins early

   • Celebrate quick victories

You Do: Your Mini Task for the Week

Now it's your turn! Take one upcoming training or presentation (or lesson in your classroom) and transform it using the value-first approach.

Think-Pair-Share

• Think of 3 resources you could create that would provide immediate value to your colleagues

• Pair up with a fellow educator to review and refine your resources

• Share your transformed PD approach with our community and see how others are revolutionizing their training sessions

Exit Ticket

Ready to explore automation and take control of your processes? Join the FREE 30-Day AI & Automation Email Course for Educators to learn how to build solutions tailored to your needs.

Do you know a parent of a student with special needs that wants to learn how to better advocate for their child? Share our newly launched SPED Code Advocacy Guide blog with them!

Follow us for more AI and automation tips.

Looking for a live hands-on course on AI and Automation? Join the waitlist for the AI Mastery for Educators Course now!

Follow us on Gumroad for Edumated resources. Coming soon: a FREE course on Canva basics for Educators.

Spread the Word!

If you found today’s edition helpful, share the AI-Powered Educator newsletter with your colleagues! You can share our link: www.edumated.com.