Background and Context: Professional Development for Educators

Since the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in 1965, which provided critical funding for teacher training and development, professional development (PD) has been a hot topic across industries. But what does professional development look like for esports education? Let’s dive into the latest teacher professional development workshop hosted by Gameplan at the Las Cruces School District.

Eleven educators from both high school and middle school esports programs gathered to participate in Gameplan’s PD session. The professional development goals of this session were clear: to inspire, support, and equip teachers with the tools to view their classrooms in a new way, through the lens of scholastic esports.

This is just the beginning—Gameplan will continue to provide support to the district throughout the upcoming school years to ensure teachers feel confident using game-based learning and esports competitions to help students grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

A Closer Look at the Professional Development Agenda

The session kicked off early in the morning, bringing together educators eager to explore how scholastic esports can enhance their teaching practice. This teacher professional development workshop was carefully designed to help educators achieve their professional development goals and integrate esports into their classrooms effectively in collaboration with them. The PD was designed and adjusted based on insights from Lisa Hufstedler, the associate director of teaching and learning, to make sure the district's needs were met.

The session focused on the following topics:

• Integrating Games for Social and Emotional Growth: Educators explored how gaming can teach critical social-emotional skills like empathy, resilience, and teamwork.

• Setting up Gameplan and using integrations: Gameplan seamlessly integrates with the existing LMS and SIS systems used by schools. During the session, educators were guided through the setup process, allowing them to connect and integrate these systems successfully.

• Connecting Gameplan to Teaching Methodologies: The session delved into how esports can align with existing teaching frameworks like project-based and inquiry-based learning.

• Reinforcing 21st Century Skills: Teachers examined how Gameplan supports essential skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy through gaming activities.

• Game Analysis for Digital Literacy: Educators were guided through the process of analyzing game mechanics and digital skills, with a focus on how these skills translate to academic contexts.

• Integrating Game-Based Lessons into Classroom Content: Educators explored how to integrate game-based lessons into core classroom content, using gaming as a tool to foster student engagement.

• Identifying opportunities within Gameplan lessons to foster empathy, resilience, and teamwork

Collaboration and Reflections from the Session

Professional development, especially in esports education, is a game-changer for teachers. It equips them with new methods of instruction to connect with students through technology. This PD workshop helped educators align their professional development goals with practical teaching methods and guided them through implementing esports into their daily teaching practices. As one participant noted, the session was "tailored to meet their needs," reflecting how Gameplan ensured the training was both relevant and impactful.

A standout moment came when teachers with more esports experience took on the role of trainers, helping their colleagues learn. This peer collaboration showcased the community aspect of professional development, where teachers support each other, building a stronger teaching team.

How Does PD Help Teachers?

Professional development helps teachers in multiple ways. It helps improve their instructional techniques with new teaching methods, such as integrating esports into the curriculum. Teachers gain valuable experience in using new technologies, apps, and tools that can be applied in the classroom to engage students more effectively. Moreover, PD helps educators develop leadership skills, opening up opportunities for roles such as department heads, curriculum coordinators, or administrative positions.

At Gameplan, we believe in building strong relationships with the educators we support. Our professional development is designed not just to impart knowledge but to foster a sense of collaboration and partnership. With experienced educators on our team who understand the unique challenges and needs of teachers and game-based learning, our PD sessions are relevant, practical, and tailored to real-world classroom experiences. By working closely with teachers, we ensure that the professional development we provide empowers them to succeed and grows into an ongoing partnership focused on improving student outcomes.

Building on the Foundations of Esports Education

Curious about how a teacher professional development workshop in esports can benefit your district, school, or IT department? Explore our PD packages here to learn more. 

As with all Gameplan PD offerings, ongoing support, and regular check-ins will ensure that educators continue to thrive long after the session ends.