Our Methodology
lilyPD is built differently – by design. The platform has been developed with teachers from the start. And it shows.
Powerful pedagogy, made joyful.
Our courses and resources are built with cutting-edge research-backed learning techniques. But it’s not just for the course contents benefit. They’re built to improve the desired skills while also introducing new habits of the mind that make learning exponentially easier and more meaningful.
the learners journey
Purposeful steps toward meaningful growth
Designed by teachers, for teachers, courses are purposefully designed to support you as you experiment to find what works for you and your students.
Start with Why
Each course starts by grounding your learning in what matters most, so you can focus your time and energy where it counts.
Experience Quick Wins
In nearly every unit, you’ll have opportunities to quickly and easily apply what you’re learning with your students.
Build Towards Something Bigger
Each small step in the course helps you build the skills and confidence for real growth.
what a good one looks like
Learn from trusted spotlight teachers
lilyPD courses are built by experienced teachers – sharing their insights and tested resources. The ideas and examples shared aren’t theoretical possibilities. They are classroom-tested and student-approved. We also incorporate museum educators and other practitioners’ voices to help you further expand your knowledge and toolkit of strategies.
think2 moments
Reflect on learning. Apply it in practice.
Think2 moments are brief pauses within a unit, designed to pull focus temporarily away from the core content and provide space for you to reflect on a relevant and actionable learning theory.
Engage
This is an active moment of reflection, linked to the theory that follows. It’s the ‘show’ part of the process, demonstrating the impact of the theory to come.
Explore
This is where we introduce the main theory behind the Think² Moment in question. It’s the ‘tell’ part of the process and is a key step towards reaching the ‘Teach’ section that follows.
Educate
This offers a quick, efficient, and repeatable strategy you can use with your students to help them apply the theory presented in the Think2 moment.
Interested in creating courses & resources that bring joy?
We’re looking for partners who can develop content that continues to push what professional development can be for our teachers.
accreditation
Grow your skills, know it counts.
We make it easy to form a habit of professional growth with progression tracking, fun challenges, and gentle reminders when new courses drop. With digital certificates and badges backed by the W&M School of Education, you can have confidence that your learning will be valued.
Powered By
William & Mary
Designed by practicing educators in collaboration with W&M faculty researchers, museum professionals, and other experts, our courses blend research, storytelling, and classroom experience, connecting learning science to real-world practice.
