---
title: "Your CLASS Garden: Combining Observations with Professional Development"
description: Getting certified as a CLASS observer is the first step in developing a stronger professional development program for teachers.
image: https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/CLASS-garden.png
---

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- The CLASS Framework
  
    - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/)
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    - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/)
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    - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/)
- Products and Trainings
  
    - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/)
      
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/)
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/)
          - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/)
      
          - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training)
          - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training)
    - Observer Training & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true)
          - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/)
    - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/)
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/)
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          - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/)
          - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/)
          - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/)
          - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/)
          - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/)
    - Coach Trainings & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/)
          - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/)
          - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/)
          - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/)
    - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/)
      
          - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/)
          - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/)
          - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/)
          - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/)
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          - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/)
          - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/)
          - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/)
          - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/)
          - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/)
          - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/)
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    - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/)
    - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog)
      
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# Your CLASS Garden: Combining Observations with Professional Development

 June 11 2015 by [Emily Ramirez](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/emily-ramirez)

- [Implementation](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/implementation)
- [Professional Development](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/professional-development)

![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CLASS-garden.png?width=519&height=300&name=CLASS-garden.png)

When I was little, my mother encouraged my siblings and I to help her work in our family garden. An avid gardener herself, I still remember the joy in learning simple lessons, such as the need to water our plants regularly—sometimes more than once on very hot days. I can’t tell you how excited we were when we saw our first pea plants sprout!

I've realized that the simple rules of gardening can be applied to my clients’ CLASS needs at their centers and organizations. As an account manager and former client services representative, one question I hear from clients pretty regularly is *“I have Certified CLASS Observers conducting formal and informal observations with my teachers. Now what?”*

The truth is, collecting observation data without following up with professional development is not a method for success. Just as plants in a garden need water and sunshine, teachers need continuous care and attention from coaches and others tending to their growth. You might be thinking, *But measuring my teachers’ success with observations is the first step, right?* You’re correct. Providing professional development opportunities, however, goes hand in hand with collecting your teachers’ observation data. Both practices must coincide in order to see continuous success.

As the school year comes to a close and you’re planning for next year, keep in mind this idea: it’s not enough to plant a seed and measure its growth. Combining CLASS observations with professional development is essential to see positive results at your organization. If you feel you’re now ready to take the next step towards continuous growth, visit our [Coach or Teacher Toolbox](http://teachstone.com/services/professional-development/) to learn about some of Teachstone’s professional development programs. Or give my team a call—866-998-8352; we love hearing from you!

Happy Growing :)

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