Hey there, fellow educators and lifelong learners! If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent countless hours scouring the internet for resources that make a difference in your teaching practice. You know the drill—endless webinars that feel disconnected from real classrooms, outdated PDFs that gather digital dust, and professional development sessions that leave you more exhausted than inspired. But every once in a while, you stumble upon something that changes the game entirely. For me, that something is Empower, the professional learning platform from Teaching Channel. And today, I want to share why I’m so darn thankful for it. This isn’t just another tool; it’s like having a supportive mentor, a vast library, and a collaborative community all rolled into one accessible package.
Let me back up a bit and give you some context. I’m a middle school English teacher with about a decade under my belt, working in a bustling urban district where resources are stretched thin and teacher burnout is all too real. A couple of years ago, I was at my wits’ end. My students were diverse—culturally, linguistically, and in their learning needs—but my toolbox felt limited. I needed fresh ideas for engaging English language learners, strategies for building classroom culture post-pandemic, and ways to integrate tech without it feeling forced. That’s when my principal introduced our team to Empower during a staff meeting. At first, I was skeptical. Another platform? Really? But oh boy, was I wrong. From the moment I logged in, it felt different. It was intuitive, packed with real-world content, and designed with actual educators in mind. No fluff, just substance that I could apply immediately.
What sets Empower apart as a professional learning platform is its deep understanding of what teachers need. It’s not about ticking boxes for compliance or enduring one-size-fits-all training. Instead, it’s built around growth, reflection, and collaboration. And in a field where nearly 50% of teachers leave within their first five years due to burnout and lack of support (as I’ve seen happen to too many colleagues), platforms like this are lifesavers. Empower helps reignite that passion for teaching by making professional development feel personal and purposeful. In this post, I’ll dive into the key reasons I’m grateful for it, sharing my own experiences along the way. Whether you’re a new teacher, a seasoned vet, or an administrator looking to support your team, I hope this resonates and encourages you to give it a try.
The Video Library: A Window into Real Classrooms
One of the first things that blew me away about Empower was its massive video library. We’re talking over 2,000 classroom videos, all aligned to common standards like the Danielson Framework, Common Core, and Next Generation Science Standards. As someone who’s always believed that seeing is believing when it comes to teaching strategies, this feature alone has been a game-changer.
Picture this: It’s a Tuesday afternoon, and I’m prepping for a lesson on persuasive writing. My students are struggling with structuring arguments, and I need inspiration fast. Instead of scrolling through random YouTube clips (which, let’s be honest, can be a rabbit hole of varying quality), I hop into Empower and search for “persuasive writing strategies.” Up pops a curated selection of videos showing real teachers in action—diverse classrooms, authentic student interactions, and practical tips I can adapt. One video in particular, featuring a teacher using debate circles to build argumentation skills, sparked an idea that transformed my next class. My kids were engaged, debating like pros, and I saw immediate improvements in their writing.
What makes me especially thankful is how these videos address today’s teaching challenges head-on. There’s content on the Science of Reading, universal design for learning, and culturally responsive pedagogy—stuff that’s crucial but often overlooked in traditional PD. For instance, during a unit on global literature, I found videos highlighting how to incorporate students’ cultural backgrounds into lessons. It helped me create a more inclusive environment where my immigrant students felt seen and valued. And the best part? These aren’t scripted performances; they’re genuine snapshots of teaching, complete with the occasional hiccup that reminds you it’s okay not to be perfect.
Empower’s video library isn’t just a resource—it’s a confidence booster. As a teacher who’s juggled hybrid learning during the pandemic, I’ve used it for self-reflection too. I can upload my lesson recordings (securely, of course) and compare them to the examples provided. This has led to small but powerful tweaks, like improving my questioning techniques or managing transitions better. In a profession where isolation can creep in, having this “virtual peer observation” feels like having a supportive colleague always available. If you’re searching for an online professional development tool that brings theory to life, Empower’s video library is it.
On-Demand Courses: Flexible Learning That Fits My Life
Another reason I’m bursting with gratitude for Empower is its Learning Center, home to over 300 on-demand professional learning courses. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill lectures; they’re interactive, self-paced modules that cover everything from classroom management to advanced instructional strategies. And get this—they’re ISTE Seal-approved, meaning they meet high standards for quality and relevance.
Life as a teacher is hectic. Between grading papers, parent conferences, and extracurriculars, finding time for PD can feel impossible. Empower gets that. I can log in during my planning period, on a weekend morning with coffee in hand, or even in bite-sized chunks via my phone. Last year, when I needed to renew my teaching license, I tackled a series of courses on differentiated instruction. One standout was on supporting students with special needs in inclusive settings. It included quizzes, reflection prompts, and even graduate-level credit options, which made it feel substantial without being overwhelming.
The personal touch here is what truly shines. Courses are designed with educator input, focusing on real-world application. For example, after completing a module on restorative practices, I implemented circle discussions in my class to address conflicts. The result? Fewer disruptions and stronger student relationships. I remember one student, who was typically withdrawn, opening up during a circle about his challenges at home. It shifted our dynamic and helped him engage more in lessons. Moments like that remind me why I teach, and Empower facilitated it by giving me the tools without the hassle.
Plus, for administrators or team leads, the platform allows assignment creation. My principal has used it to tailor PD paths for our staff—assigning specific courses based on individual goals. This personalization makes professional development feel empowering rather than obligatory. In an era where teacher retention is a hot topic, having access to flexible, high-quality online PD for educators like this is invaluable. It’s helped me grow not just as a teacher, but as a leader in my department, mentoring newer colleagues along the way.
Coaching and Collaboration Tools: Building a Supportive Community
If the videos and courses are the heart of Empower, then its coaching tools are the soul. This platform isn’t just about consuming content; it’s about collaboration and growth through feedback. Features like shared video viewing, embedded comments, and progress tracking make instructional coaching scalable and effective.
In my district, we’ve used Empower for peer coaching cycles. Teachers upload clips of their lessons, and coaches (or even peers) can timestamp feedback right in the video. It’s like having a conversation overlaid on the action. Last semester, I shared a recording of my poetry unit opener, and my coach pointed out moments where I could amplify student voice. Her suggestions were spot-on, and implementing them led to more dynamic discussions. This kind of targeted support has boosted my confidence and refined my practice in ways generic evaluations never could.
I’m particularly thankful for how Empower supports new teachers and specialty roles. There are dedicated EQUIP courses for novices, paraprofessionals, and substitutes—addressing unique needs like classroom readiness or handling diverse learners. As someone who’s mentored first-year teachers, I’ve seen how these resources reduce overwhelm. One mentee of mine, fresh out of college, used the platform’s coaching features to reflect on her first parent-teacher conferences. It turned a stressful experience into a growth opportunity.
The collaborative aspect extends to professional learning communities (PLCs). Our grade-level team uses Empower for shared playlists of videos, sparking discussions during meetings. It’s fostered a sense of camaraderie, especially in a post-COVID world where connection matters more than ever. And with integrations like Canvas, it seamlessly fits into our existing workflows. For anyone in educational leadership, this means better data on teacher progress and district-wide insights, all while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
The Bigger Impact: Reigniting Joy and Driving Student Success
Beyond the features, what makes me most thankful for Empower is its holistic impact. It’s not just about checking off PD hours; it’s about reigniting the joy of teaching and driving real student outcomes. Research shows that effective professional development can boost teacher retention and student achievement, and I’ve seen that firsthand.
Take teacher burnout—it’s rampant, with isolation and lack of growth being major culprits. Empower combats that by making learning accessible and engaging. I’ve gone from dreading PD days to looking forward to exploring new content. It’s helped me stay inspired, which translates to my classroom. My students notice when I’m excited about a new strategy, and it rubs off on them. Last year, after incorporating video-inspired literacy centers, reading scores in my class improved by 15%. That’s not just data; it’s kids discovering a love for books.
On a personal level, Empower has given me a sense of agency in my career. As educators, we pour so much into others, but this platform invests back in us. It’s affordable too—starting at around $99 per educator with flexible tiers—which makes it feasible for districts of all sizes. And with a dedicated customer success manager, implementation feels supported, not overwhelming.
Wrapping It Up: Why You Should Dive In
So, why am I thankful for Empower, the professional learning platform that truly gets it? Because it understands the heart of teaching—the challenges, the triumphs, and the need for genuine support. In a world of quick fixes, it offers depth: a video library that inspires, courses that fit your schedule, coaching that builds community, and impacts that last.
If you’re an educator feeling stuck or an administrator seeking better PD options, I urge you to check out Empower. Schedule a demo, explore the free resources, and see how it can transform your practice. Trust me, once you experience it, you’ll be writing your gratitude post. Here’s to growing together and making every classroom a place of empowerment. What’s your go-to PD tool? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear!