Empowering educators through professional learning: The Stile approach

At Stile, we believe that great science education starts with great teaching. That’s why professional learning (PL) is a core part of our product. Our mission is to ensure every student experiences rich, rigorous, and engaging science lessons, and that begins by empowering the educators who bring them to life.

What is Stile PL?

Stile’s professional learning is a comprehensive suite of in-person and online professional learning experiences designed to help teachers unlock the full potential of Stile’s curriculum and tools. It includes:

Full-day, in-person workshops to build deep curriculum knowledge and instructional confidence
In-classroom coaching to support real-time implementation and growth
Stile Academy, our flexible online learning hub designed for self-paced or team-based reflection and development

Importantly, this is distinct from training and support, which are always included in a Stile subscription. Stile PL is professional learning designed to create lasting impact.

Why professional learning is core to Stile

Research shows that teachers are the most powerful influence on student achievement (Hattie, 2003). Our vision — to provide every student with a world-class science education – is dependent on giving teachers the knowledge, skills, and tools to succeed.

While high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) are essential, their full value is only realized when paired with professional learning. In fact, studies show that more than half the impact of strong curriculum is lost without effective PL.

Stile PL helps teachers make the most of their resources — not just using them, but using them intentionally, skillfully, and with impact.

Our professional learning approach

Built by educators, for educators

Stile PL is created and delivered by experienced science educators who understand the real challenges of the classroom. As teachers ourselves, we set out to design learning experiences that are practical, actionable, and grounded in evidence.

A journey, not a one-off

Our implementation model supports teachers at every stage of their Stile journey – from initial onboarding to long-term instructional growth. Learning is sustained over time, embedded in real practice, and tailored to meet the evolving needs of teachers and schools.

Backed by research

Stile PL is underpinned by decades of educational research and guided by global best practice. We draw from:

The Learning Policy Institute
Education Endowment Foundation & Evidence for Learning
Transforming teaching through curriculum-based professional learning
Improving secondary science (EEF)

What makes Stile PL effective?

We design our PL around evidence-based principles that lead to lasting change:

Continuous and ongoing – Learning is spread out over time, not delivered in isolated bursts
Tailored to teacher needs – Differentiated support ensures relevance at every stage
Embedded in real classroom practice – Focused on what works, where it matters
Collaborative – Encourages shared reflection and professional dialogue
Modeled by experts – Teachers see high-impact strategies in action
Coached and supported – Teachers receive expert guidance and feedback
Reflective – Teachers critically assess their own practice and progress
Sustained – Designed for long-term growth, not one-time inspiration

Our professional learning experiences

Launch

The perfect starting point for new Stile users. Launch sessions give teachers hands-on experience with the Stile platform, planning tools, and teaching strategies. Teachers leave ready to teach, with their first unit and lessons planned and a deep understanding of how to use Stile effectively from day one.

Classroom collaboration

A personalized, in-class coaching experience. Stile educators work directly with teachers in their own classrooms, modeling high-impact strategies and co-planning lessons. Sessions are designed around teacher goals and school priorities, and fit seamlessly into the regular school day.

Teaching for impact

This workshop helps teachers enhance student engagement by expanding their instructional toolkit. Teachers explore screen-free and collaborative strategies, and learn how to adapt Stile lessons to their unique teaching style and student needs – making science lessons more dynamic, interactive, and inclusive.

Stile Academy

Our flexible, online PL platform offers self-paced modules, supported by a (real-life) expert coach. Each module includes:

Video explainers and real-classroom footage
Practical strategies that teachers can use right away
Opportunities to reflect, collaborate, and receive feedback with the wider Stile community of teachers

Stile Academy modules are built around our signature Stile sprint cycle, guiding teachers to:

Explore new research
Set a targeted teaching tweak
Apply the strategy in their classroom
Reflect on student learning
Plan their next step

Whether working independently or as a team, teachers can complete a sprint in 5 hours across 4–6 weeks. Each module is aligned to professional teaching standards and includes a certificate of completion.

Why schools choose Stile PL

It’s practical and relevant – Teachers leave with resources, plans, and strategies they can use immediately
It improves teaching quality – Schools that participate in Stile PL see significant increases in curriculum fidelity and instructional effectiveness
It builds confidence and collaboration – Teachers develop collective efficacy, share expertise, and grow together
It aligns with best practices and district priorities – Whether you're focused on curriculum implementation, engagement, equity, or continuous improvement, Stile PL supports your goals

Our recommendation

For the greatest impact, we recommend schools and districts follow a cohesive professional learning journey:

Begin with a Launch to establish strong foundations
Follow up with Classroom Collaboration to model and embed best practice
Deepen instructional quality through Teaching for Impact
Sustain learning and growth through ongoing Stile Academy modules

This approach ensures all teachers are supported with the right learning, at the right time, in the right format.

The bottom line

Professional learning is not an optional extra. It’s the bridge between curriculum and classroom – between good intentions and great instruction.

At Stile, we’re committed to helping teachers grow, lead, and thrive. Because when teachers thrive, students soar.

Explore our PL offerings today and discover how Stile can support your school’s vision for science education.