This study explores the interaction between transformative processes in which a group of teacher educators became a professional development community (PDC) and the individual progress of these instructors through the professional development course on the topic of thinking education. Twelve teacher educators who participated in one of three…

Despite the prevalence of professional development in schools and the variability in its implementation, little research has been conducted on how professional development makes its way into the classroom. Even when teachers participate in high-quality professional development, there remains a large and often undocumented variability in how…

Discusses the activities and accomplishments of a high school English teacher during a year's sabbatical leave. (RBW)

Describes six ways an English supervisor or any other instructional leader can reach beyond the school system to learn about current practices in the field. (HOD)

Examines research about the effectiveness of professional development. Procedural guidelines drawn from research on individual and organizational change provide a framework for developing the optimal mix of professional development processes and technologies for specific contexts at particular points in time. The potential impact of implementing…

This paper on the supervision and evaluation of teachers as professional personnel begins by delineating the characteristics and expectations of professionals, and then explains how they are socialized into their roles, the reasons why they should be supervised, the blocks and hindrances to supervision and evaluation, and how the blocks may be…

A staff development program in a Vermont school district relies heavily on teachers' self-appraisal and their desire for self-improvement. To assist teachers, the district has invited university instructors to teach graduate-level courses in the schools, hired consultants to speak, arranged workshops, and organized summer institutes. (MLF)

Professional development for teachers will continue to be central to the continuing need to help schools deal more effectively with the problems of change. Three themes are emphasized--the individual teacher, the school, and the system. This publication, consisting of 24 papers, is intended to inform public debate on the issue which is critical to…

Advocates teachers' use of personal writing for both personal and professional well being. (RL)

Presents six suggestions for personalizing professional development for middle school teachers: (1) encourage openness to change; (2) facilitate teachers' self-assessment; (3) urge teachers to be learners; (4) encourage a focus on the enjoyable in teaching; (5) advocate that teachers contribute to peers' growth; and (6) promote full lives beyond…

Describes the Teacher Leader program, a field-based masters program for elementary and secondary teachers. The program stresses commitment, a positive relationship, continuous dialog and feedback between teachers and faculty. Program framework and field visits to the teacher's classroom encourage learner-guided growth and aid in translating theory…

PAPA: Plans, Action and Progress Assessment, a process whereby the professional educator can effectively organize professional growth and development efforts, is presented. The process can also aid teachers, counselors, professors, or administrators in improving job performance. The three parts of the program are described. (CT)

The Specials Projects (Innovations) Program of the Commonwealth Schools Commission in Australia was established to improve primary and secondary education by encouraging innovation and diversity in teaching through grants to individuals, usually teachers. This study focuses on the professional development of the teachers involved. Forty-five…

Interviews were conducted with 20 Scottish special education teachers who undertook a one-year, full-time inservice course. Teachers cited increased confidence, personal and professional development, deeper thinking, and increased flexibility and awareness as gains from the course; specific skills, which are emphasized in short inservice courses,…

Universities and schools can develop a collaborative relationship by creating professional development centers to facilitate a beneficial climate for learning to teach and a supportive and collaborative system for the professional growth of experienced teachers. (JN)