The economic downturn has had a major impact on professional development budgets at every school district in the nation. Gathering everyone up for a day together often has such a high cost (subs, food, materials) that schools have been forced to cut back on these events. But the need for continued learning and renewal doesn’t disappear like many investments have. Budget constraints are challenging all of us to revisit what works, and what doesn’t work. The results can be innovative and effective. For example, technology is being used more and more. Webinars, podcasts, and Internet video are making it possible for people to access info whenever they need it. Limited social networks (like NING) are being established to foster professional conversations of like-minded colleagues across the world. Collaborative networking tools such as VoiceThread make it possible for people to post and discuss student work, projects, and tools. However, this doesn’t replace the need for the face-to-face contact that comes from talking with the teacher next door, attending a local  conference, or remaining in touch with professional organizations. And don’t forget that professional development is ultimately self-motivated. Read, talk with colleagues, and reach out to others across the country to keep the conversation going. The economy will eventually get better; sustaining that improvement will depend on our ability to foster learning among ourselves.