In recent years coaching has become an increasingly popular intervention used in both personal and professional development spheres. This chapter draws on industry research from scholars as well as professional organizations to map the history, definitions, and trends of executive and organizational coaching to provide clarity on a complex and…

Much of the self-study of teacher education practices literature characterizes self-study as a collaborative activity involving various degrees of cooperation and interaction with others, both the others who are our students and the collegial others who assist us in our inquiries into our own professional practices. However, while many…

In an attempt to build a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of the complexity, dynamics and idiosyncrasies involved in becoming a teacher, this study focussed on the experiences of 295 student teachers. Their feelings, cognitions and perceptions regarding teaching practice were analysed using the short version of the Inventory of…

This Yearbook chapter, a compilation of multiple sources, presents both the history of action research and an analysis of reported action research in the professional development school (PDS) between 1992 and 2010. The history begins prior to the inception of the PDS and provides a theoretical premise for action research in the PDS in subsequent…

Formal mentoring programs focus on the probationary period of new teachers. Providing teachers with mentoring support during the initial years of teaching requires significant commitment and investment from school districts, mentors, and new teachers. Numerous studies argue the merits of mentoring programs, yet the research has been less clear…

Examines the need for adult transformation proposed by Maria Montessori as a necessary step in seeing children's true spiritual essence and maintains that such transformation is necessary in work with adults as well. Suggests that individuals need to consider the body, mind, emotions, and spirit as interrelated, and notes that transformation is an…

Professional learning nourishes practice. Sometimes we are able to navigate daily within a community of learners or find such fellowship online. At other moments we seek out books and journals to stimulate inner voyages. The author describes how different books, journals, and Web pages have helped her along her own learning voyage. (AEF)

Examines how the Montessori community can work for peace within individuals, the schools, and the Montessori community itself by building school identity, creating family-friendly schools, building community within the faculty, and building a community of schools among the competing schools in the local area. Describes several peace programs for…

Attempts to construct an account of how teachers acquire their professional identities as a means to informing professional development. Discusses four significant traditions (craft, scientific, moral, and artistic) in education. Considers implications for practice. (CMK)

Presents an analysis of the personal and professional development of teachers, focusing on the factors involved in reflective teaching. Outlines a five-stage model of performance development within the learning organization that moves from novice to advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. (MDM)

This issue presents five articles on the theme of professional development of personnel serving infants and toddlers. The papers describe: experiences in the Training of Trainers Intensive Seminar and the City Training of Teams initiatives, an Illinois developmental training and support program, a Canadian 12-month training program, the use of…

This book reviews the literature on reflection, explores the relationship between reflection and learning, and discusses how reflection can be used to improve learning and professional practice. The following are among the topics discussed: (1) common-sense and developmental stage approaches to reflection; (2) the philosophies of Dewey and…