Rethinking High School, Chapter 11: Professional Development
Why is professional development
important?
Staff development is one of the
most critical, and most over-looked
pieces of school reform.
Because it keeps you engaged:
you learn, grow, and become a
better teacher!
So, what do I look for in a
good development program?
1. Voluntary: Personal choice
and control are key. You cant
force change!
2. Peer-led
- Best resources are respected colleagues
- Fellow teachers who have implemented
the practices have credibility
Curriculum-Centered:
Effective programs put content at the center
4. Standards-Oriented:
A clear, detailed picture of
what high-quality, standadrds based
teaching should look like.
5. Lengthy:
It takes time to change!
Look for programs with follow-up
6. Active:
Demonstrations not lectures!
Hands-on activities
7. Practical:
take real considerations into account
8. Open-ended:
Diversity and choice
9. Long-term:
Follow-up is needed to
sustain long-term change
10. Supported by the Principal:
The principal should take on the role of
an instructional leader
11. Part of a Buildingwide Change Process:
Professional Development works best when it is
part of a process of school development, gradually incorporating teachers, parents, kids, and community!
Professional Development
Strategies
Professional Conferences
Professional Books
Out-of-school retreats
Staff development Sessions
One-on-one and
in-classroom support
Visits to other schools
Teachers planning together