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Special Report
Special Report

Smart Strategies for Teacher Professional Development

April 26, 2017
Professional development has the potential to not only improve teacher practice, but to make a real difference for students. But too often, professional development has been criticized as unfocused and irrelevant. But many school systems are overhauling their PD programs to tie them closely to teacher needs and to districtwide academic goals. In this special report, 澳门跑狗论坛 explores some of those efforts, including the rise of microcredentials, math training for preschool teachers, and programs aimed at supporting instructional coaches.
  • Teacher Preparation Teachers Customize Professional Development Through Microcredentials
    Teachers see the value of showing their mastery of individual skills, but questions remain about the quality and rigor of microcredential programs.
    Madeline Will, April 25, 2017
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    7 min read
    E. Christiaan Summerhill, a history teacher at the Tobin School in Boston, says he is 鈥減rivileged鈥� to be a part of a program created by the district to support and retain male minority teachers.
    E. Christiaan Summerhill, a history teacher at the Tobin School in Boston, says he is 鈥減rivileged鈥� to be a part of a program created by the district to support and retain male minority teachers.
    Charlie Mahoney for 澳门跑狗论坛
    Professional Development Boston Program Supports Male Educators of Color
    "Executive coaching" is designed to help retain and groom male teachers by helping them navigate the specific challenges facing minority classroom leaders.
    Brenda Iasevoli, April 25, 2017
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    6 min read
    Anna Cooper, shown here working with students at the One Hope United鈥擝ridgeport II Early Learning Center in Chicago, is among the teachers infusing more math into their work with preschoolers after training with the Early Math Collaborative at the Erikson Institute.
    Anna Cooper, shown here working with students at the One Hope United鈥擝ridgeport II Early Learning Center in Chicago, is among the teachers infusing more math into their work with preschoolers after training with the Early Math Collaborative at the Erikson Institute.
    Robert Knapp/Erikson Institute-File
    Early Childhood Preschool Teachers Get a Boost in Teaching Early Math
    Researchers and educational foundations are targeting early educators for professional development in math, which is improving teacher morale as well as improving children鈥檚 school readiness.
    Christina A. Samuels, April 25, 2017
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    5 min read
    Sue Grabe, left, an induction coach from Grant Wood Area Education Agency in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, takes notes while Kristin Weis teaches a reading lesson in her 1st grade classroom at North Bend Elementary School in North Liberty, Iowa. Grabe and her coaching colleagues regularly meet for professional development aimed at increasing their effectiveness.
    Sue Grabe, left, an induction coach from Grant Wood Area Education Agency in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, takes notes while Kristin Weis teaches a reading lesson in her 1st grade classroom at North Bend Elementary School in North Liberty, Iowa. Grabe and her coaching colleagues regularly meet for professional development aimed at increasing their effectiveness.
    Liz Martin for 澳门跑狗论坛
    Teaching Instructional Coaches Get Specialized Training
    In-classroom coaching has proven benefits for teachers, but working with adult learners requires developing trust-building and communication skills.
    Madeline Will, April 25, 2017
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    6 min read
    The Grant Wood Area Education Agency, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers training to instructional coaches in how to support adult learners. At a recent workshop, Jill Nunez, center, a coach in the Cedar Rapids district, shares thoughts during a small-group breakout session with Stephanie Whitaker, right, with the Morning Sun district, and Jenny Davis, left, with Keokuk schools.
    The Grant Wood Area Education Agency, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers training to instructional coaches in how to support adult learners. At a recent workshop, Jill Nunez, center, a coach in the Cedar Rapids district, shares thoughts during a small-group breakout session with Stephanie Whitaker, right, with the Morning Sun district, and Jenny Davis, left, with Keokuk schools.
    Liz Martin for 澳门跑狗论坛
    School & District Management School Districts Update Professional Development
    Classroom needs, as well as new requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act, are leading to creative approaches to improving teachers' own learning and making it more effective.
    Michelle R. Davis, April 25, 2017
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    7 min read
    Teaching Profession Linking Professional Development to Teacher Evaluations
    The Boulder Valley District in Colorado built an online portal called MyPassport, intended to guide educators to professional development that matches their needs.
    Emmanuel Felton, April 25, 2017
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    4 min read
    School & District Management What Does It Look Like When Districts Connect PD to Academic Goals?
    In a new report, researchers at the nonprofit organization Education Resource Strategies studied the differences between typical districts and school systems that have made "connected professional learning" a core part of their academic strategy.
    April 25, 2017
    Teacher Preparation Teachers Like Common Planning Time, Survey Shows
    In a survey, 58 percent of teachers said they had some or a lot of input on their professional development. Teachers also said they appreciated time for collaboration and new-teacher coaching.
    April 25, 2017
    Professional Development Educators Share Their #BestPD, #WorstPD
    We asked educators to share on Twitter the professional development that inspired them or that left them scratching their heads.
    April 25, 2017