In the context of implementing the 2018 General Education Curriculum, short-term professional development for school teachers plays an important role in enhancing teachers’ professional competencies and meeting the requirements of educational innovation. Based on a synthesis and analysis of literature on educational management, teacher professional development, and the POLC model (Planning - Organizing - Leading - Controlling), this paper clarifies the fundamental requirements for managing short-term professional development activities for school teachers in the context of educational innovation. Accordingly, the paper proposes an approach to applying the POLC model to professional development management through four functions: (1) planning professional development activities in alignment with teachers’ professional competency development goals; (2) organizing resources, content, and implementation conditions; (3) leading, coordinating, and motivating participating stakeholders; and (4) controlling and evaluating professional development outcomes to facilitate quality adjustment and improvement. The findings contribute to strengthening the theoretical foundation for applying the POLC model in educational management and provide a systematic and feasible management approach to improving the effectiveness of short-term professional development for school teachers in response to current educational innovation requirements.