Using case studies of four schools in three districts, this article explores how leadership is distributed in districts and asks about the role of teacher leaders. It proposes that teacher leaders and districts can share three leadership tasks: procuring and distributing materials, monitoring improvement, and developing people. The district and…

The Reading Recovery Program, a staff development process providing teachers with a framework for observing teaching and learning, requires close observation and analysis of children in the process of reading and staff development team members to observe each other as they work with children. (CB)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the teaching beliefs of non-formal environmental educators who work in state and local parks. Findings reveal that teaching beliefs are much more complex than purported in the literature. Three broad insights are offered: including roles and responsibilities of the non-formal environmental educator,…

During her years at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the author has read many articles and attended many conference sessions about wonderful technology projects that have made a difference for students and teachers. With funds already tight, schools and districts need to think about advocating for increased funding in…

As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) releases its "Guidance for School Responses to Influenza During the 2009-2010 School Year," the U.S. Department of Education reminds states, districts, schools, students, staff, families, and communities about the importance of ensuring the continuity of learning in the event of student or school…

Assessment, particularly formative assessment, is critical to knowing how a student is performing academically and how best to support that student. Teachers, especially new teachers, need ongoing support in developing and using both summative and formative assessments as an integral part of their instructional practice. Written collaboratively by…

This study examines whether two online courses offering educational support for junior faculty have a positive effect on their attitudes and curriculum and teaching capacities (CTC) learning. The data used in the analysis are from two 2005 online University training courses. The tasks the online courses assign to faculty, the resources they…

This article explores the importance of giving academics the space to be creative in developing new teaching materials in the context of a government drive to increase the quality of the student experience, and what this means for "academic staff development". Academics who have engaged with a UK Centre for Excellence in Teaching and…

Ten rural elementary schoolteachers participated in two weekends of intensive seminars focused on effective instruction research findings. All teachers were observed three times, both before and after the seminars, and half were given feedback. Results on teacher implementation of teaching behaviors from the seminar are presented. (MT)

As educators, we often take ourselves a bit too seriously, so veteran educator and illustrator Aaron Bacall offers a little perspective with these lighthearted cartoons. Whether used as overheads for meetings or as an individual break in a busy day, this collection of whimsical glimpses at staff development will provide a moment to laugh and add a…

A rationale for staff development in the elementary school is given along with methods and means by which staff development may occur. It also suggests ways elementary counselors can be the principal initiators in the infusion of career education concepts into the existing curriculum. (CT)

A survey of the way distance education is offered in higher education institutions in the United Kingdom (n=110) uncovered two key concerns: emphasis on exploitation of available technology and failure to implement staff development for online teaching. (Contains 16 references.) (JOW)

Explains a nested hierarchy of conceptions of teaching and suggests a process of expanding awareness among academic staff of the relation between learning and teaching. Presents a case study of one lecturer's changing conceptions and discusses how conceptual change may be encouraged in academic staff. (Author/LRW)

Child care professionals are in a unique position to teach children healthy lifestyle habits. It is not easy, but quality programs are getting it done. One factor that determines the quantity and quality of physical activity in child care settings is the education and training of staff, and learning basic strategies for promoting healthy food…

This document provides information about five adult basic education (ABE) staff development programs that illustrate the use of the principles identified in a research report. (The 70 principles and 39 corresponding techniques relate to planning and conducting training for ABE teachers and other staff.) Each of these staff development projects…