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Teacher candidates may have their first experiences with engaging in professional development during their teacher preparation program. At the end of their program, they are encouraged or required to write a professional development plan. These plans may be formal or informal in nature.

The rationale for developing a professional development plan is that the teacher establishes goals for their continued learning, so they grow in areas of interest and need. These plans are born from the belief that we all are lifelong learners and need to engage in the enhancement of our knowledge and skills over time.

Professional development plans may include engagement in a professional organization, reading a book on a particular topic, participating in workshops or webinars, or conducting research. The organization of a professional development plan is essentially a linear plan of topics to explore, a timeframe for the activity, and a source for the learning (e.g., reading a book, attending a webinar). A good professional development plan is realistic and meaningful to the individual writing it. They should not be considered busy work or an exercise that just needs to be completed or they do not have any lasting value.