Schools rise and fall based on the quality of the teamwork that occurs within their walls. Well-functioning leadership and teaching teams are essential to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning. That is particularly true when schools have clearly articulated, stretching aspirations for the learning of all their students. Effective…

An interview with Asa Hilliard discusses: how he would ensure competent teachers for all; the importance of having faith in teachers' ability to grow; how administrators can affect attitudes; how to create the will to produce schools where all students learn at high levels; how to prevent marginalization of master teachers; and how to make master…

Author Mike Schmoker argues that data should play a crucial role before staff development begins by helping to select the most results-oriented initiatives. Staff development proposals should be based on data that indicate the initiatives have led to higher achievement. This interview discusses barriers to using data and notes the role of…

Presents an interview about learning communities with Ann Lieberman, known for her work in teacher leadership and development, educational change, collaborative research, and partnerships. The interview addresses characteristics of schools with professional learning communities; how such schools are created; necessary external supports; on-the-job…

The importance of developing teachers' skills and feelings of power and professionalism is stressed in an interview with Ernest Boyer. Other topics of discussion include the establishment of a "teacher excellence fund" and the concept that school improvement is "people improvement." (DF)

In this interview, Professional Development Director Susan Loucks-Horsley explains that science teachers must experience science in new ways themselves. Topics covered include her involvement in educational improvement; pedagogical content knowledge and teaching skills; teaching teachers; successful professional development; new standards and…

An interview with authors Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey points the way to change by encouraging educators to challenge hidden assumptions and learn to recognize the immune system they develop that impedes their own progress. They suggest that leaders consider how organizational level barriers are effective expressions of commitment. An exercise to…

This interview with Phillip Schlechty, a leader in school reform, discusses assumptions about teachers' roles, suggesting teachers be viewed as inventors and leaders of knowledge workers. The interview addresses teachers as inventors; developing school leaders; assumptions about behavior; structural changes in education; building capacity for…

This interview with Linda Darling-Hammond examines recommendations in the new national report, "What Matters Most: Teaching and America's Future," which focuses attention on improving teaching as a way to improve student achievement. The interview examines such issues as characteristics of good faculty development; the effect of national teaching…

Discusses links between National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification and staff development. The assessment includes on-site teacher portfolios and assessment center examinations covering subject matter and teaching ability. Recommends that school districts provide staff development to help teachers acquire knowledge and skills…

Profound change in school begins with profound change in leaders that radiates to others and into the system. Profound change requires more than structural change--it requires changing the brains of teachers and administrators. Creating such change requires that leaders think, speak, and act differently on a daily basis, clarifying their ideas and…

Presents an interview with Kati Haycock, Director of the Education Trust, discussing: challenges to developing high quality staff development in schools serving low-income, minority students; teacher turnover; rural poverty; content-oriented staff development; learning from colleagues; making time for staff learning; willingness to change and…