When Professional Development Actually Works: The 12-Hour Impact

October 27, 2025

"They used the tape you gave them from last night."

That's what greeted me this morning during a quick drop-in visit. Less than 12 hours after our Play Lab session, teachers had already implemented new strategies in their classrooms—complete with photos and video to prove it.

The PD Problem We All Know

How many professional development days have you sat through that never made it past the parking lot? Hours of theory, binders full of resources, maybe some inspiration—then crickets when it comes to actual classroom change.

We've all been there. We've all lost those days.

Play Labs Are Different

That's why I believe so fiercely in the Play Lab experience. These aren't just workshops—they're hands-on, curiosity-igniting sessions that teachers can immediately translate into practice.

Theory at night. Implementation by morning.

I've developed Play Labs for educators from early childhood all the way through 8th grade (and I'm ready for the high school challenge). The goal isn't just to inform teachers—it's to transform what happens in their classrooms the very next day.

What Does Immediate Impact Look Like?

The recent "Meaningful and Authentic Learning Experiences" Play Lab with Child Care Aware of North Dakota and Kiddie Korral 2.0 Child Care Center and Early Learning Program is a perfect example. Before the training even cooled off, educators were testing new approaches with their students.

That's the Standard

Professional development should spark immediate classroom impact. It should ignite teacher curiosity so strongly that they can't wait to try something new.

When you leave a Play Lab, you don't leave with a binder. You leave with urgency—and the tools to act on it.

Because our students can't afford to wait for "someday" implementation. They need excellence today.

Curious about Play Labs? Let's talk about bringing this immediate-impact approach to your educators

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