Top-down training often fails due to irrelevance, lack of ownership, and poor follow-through. Evidence from AIM Institute (2024), Edutopia (2024), and Pixel-Online (2025) shows that peer-led PD is more impactful. It delivers relevant strategies, practical implementation, and greater ownership, while also reducing costs and boosting teacher engagement.

Research shows teacher-led training design is more effective than traditional, top-down professional development. The Learning Policy Institute highlights collaboration and relevance as key features of impactful PD. A 2019 study found teacher-designed PD improved student achievement in physics classrooms. And Van Dusen & Otero (2012) showed that teacher-driven PD builds teacher agency and leadership.