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Free Professional Development Resources to Use All Year 

August 21, 2025

The big picture: The Idaho Education Association and the National Education Association offer classes, workshops, webinars and materials to help educators further their careers.  

Through IEA: The Center for Teaching and Learning offers a variety of training options, ranging from bite-sized 90-minute classes and half-day sessions to one-and-done full-day classes. Topics cover everything from dyslexia training to building resilience.  

• There’s more: Need assistance in your first years of teaching or want to pass your experience onto a new educator? Check out CTL’s mentoring program.  

• Request a class: CTL trainers can come to your district to present workshops and classes — just fill out the request form.  

• Flex your training skills: You can become a trainer yourself. Head to CTL’s site for more information and a contact.  

• Mark your calendars: Every year in late July, CTL hosts a four-day PD intensive called Summer Institute. Learn from other educators, network with union members from around the state, renew your love of education — and it’s all free for IEA members (including lodging!). Learn more about the Summer Institute that wrapped up last month here.  

Through NEA: These helpful links from the National Education Association can help you make the most of the year ahead.  

• Teacher professional growth: Professional learning throughout an educator’s career is essential to achieving great public schools. Find out about crucial features and strategies to support professional learning. 

More resources: www.nea.org/professional-excellence/professional-learning/teachers 

ESP professional growth: Education support professionals (ESPs) want and deserve high-quality professional development and support at every stage of their careers. Luckily, you can find a treasure trove of info in the link below.  

More resources: www.nea.org/professional-excellence/professional-learning/esps 

• Professional learning: Discover workshops, webinars, and blended learning opportunities to support you throughout your career. 

More resources: nea.org/professional-excellence/professional-learning/professional-learning-resources 

• Micro-credentials: A micro-credential is a short, competency-based recognition. Did you know NEA offers over 175 micro-credentials that have been created by educators, for educators? 

More resources: www.nea.org/professional-excellence/professional-learning/micro-credentials 

• Teacher licensure: Before becoming a teacher-of-record, teacher candidates must demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed for effective classroom practice. Licensure provides the professional and public assurance that educators have met state teaching standards and have demonstrated their readiness to teach and improve student learning. 

More resources: www.nea.org/professional-excellence/professional-learning/teacher-licensure 

Professional development opportunities — like IEA's Summer Institute, hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning — are free for members.

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