The authors work with practicing teachers learning to become coaches in graduate programs and through professional learning initiatives in multiple school districts. They are also engaged in an ongoing research study of new coach development. Over the last five years, they have observed some common patterns in coaches' learning (Ortmann et. al,…

As schools become more racially, socioeconomically, and linguistically diverse, there are increasing calls for educational leaders to be more representative of student demographics and be explicitly prepared to advance equity through culturally responsive/relevant leadership practices. We discuss how applying an equity lens to three key content…

In this article I discuss the potential of professional learning communities (PLCs) within the South African education context using a practice theory lens. PLCs are presented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) as collaborative learning communities that are fundamentally social and should be established in all schools (DBE, Republic of…

The graduate school experience is a relevant part of professional development and can be instrumental in framing future careers. There is, however, a lack of resources and understanding concerning how institutions can best develop a positive culture during graduate school. In this paper, six professionals outline their graduate program experiences…

College admission has always been a rewarding and at times, stressful, career path. For professionals new to the field, an increased competitiveness in college admission and advances in technology in the last decade or so have contributed to an even greater possibility of burnout early in the career. In this article, the author discusses important…

What should newly graduating school counselors do? The research is clear that six key behaviors will develop and maintain who they are. The professional identity of school counselors is important because of the impact school counselors have on students and the school environment. When school counselors understand their roles, engage in continuous…

Realizing their coaching program was not having desired effects for teachers or for students' achievement, leaders in the Manor School District in Texas revamped the district's coaching program. They created two "communities" encompassing all coaches in the district (since district schools were each doing their own thing with regard to…

Given their multifaceted roles, mentors provide many benefits. They make themselves and their experiences available to others. They share their knowledge, expertise, skills, and insights. Mentors pay attention, and they help to strengthen one's abilities. Through their teaching and role modeling, their mentees develop leadership, communication,…

As an educator for thirty-four years, the author describes several great changes she has seen in the field of education since she started in the 1970s. The author gives advice to educators just beginning their careers. Old and new ways of receiving professional development are explained along with the limitations and benefits of these options.…

This paper proposes social living labs for informed learning as an innovative approach to interprofessional and community education. It presents a new conceptual model and practice framework suited to rapidly changing, information-intensive work and social environments. The proposed approach is theoretically informed and evidence based. It…

Today's school administrators may find valuable lessons in the famous Abbott and Costello "Who's on First" slapstick shtick as they consider the significant legal, personnel, and public relations issues that may arise should they take serious action, such as the termination of a tenured employee. The key is to know where the players are…

This article describes various aspects of school principal evaluation. The authors note that many states and school districts use evaluations that do not consider existing standards for principals or proven practices. It asserts that principal evaluations must be tools for professional capacity building that leads to improved teaching and…

This conclusion to the volume presents a dialogue from the perspective of educator and clinician. With examples from professional development and practice, the discussion revolves around teacher training and the role of the administrator in creating a bounded and safe environment in which teachers can develop healthy relationships. It discusses…

In the course of transitioning from classroom teacher to math instructional coach, Tara Zuspan identified critical themes and lessons she had learned. She focused her efforts on building relationships, partnering with the principal, understanding the process of change, and providing teachers with opportunities to collaborate. These intentional…

Teachers' social capital is defined as "the knowledge and resources for teaching practice accessible through a social network." The first step to analyzing teachers' social capital is to understand the structure of their social network. Some networks are highly interconnected, offering teachers numerous opportunities to share ideas and receive…