The teaching profession, at its core, is relational. Professional development of teachers is provided in many ways: one day seminars, professional learning communities, mentoring, etc. However, there has been little attention to the interaction between the teachers involved in the process and what influence this interaction has on their…

In an earlier study, the author and her colleague explored the extent to which supervisors' perspectives about candidates' performance corresponded with outcomes from a summative performance assessment (Sandholtz & Shea, 2012). They specifically examined the relationship between university supervisors' predictions and candidates' performance…

Since 1987, nearly 82,000 teachers nationwide have become National Board certified (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards [NBPTS], 2009a). National Board certification is a voluntary process that recognizes teachers who demonstrate accomplished teaching practice as defined by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards…

In the last decade, educational reform efforts have focussed primarily on "technical fixes--changes in structures and practices" such as mandated curriculum and standardized tests. The imposition of these accountability measures has led to the deprofessionalization of teachers as mediators between the curriculum and the students in the…

This study explores the role that participating in a critical inquiry project (CIP) played on the development of new educators who aspire to teach from a social justice perspective. The study also examines how relationships between the first- and second-year teacher participants shaped their development as social justice educators, learners, and…

The College of Teacher Education and Leadership (CTEL) at Arizona State University (ASU) embraced the opportunity to partner with Teach For America (TFA) to tailor existing teacher preparation programs to meet the unique needs of alternatively certified teachers in urban schools. Rather than harp on the distinctions between ideologies and…

Professional learning communities (PLCs) have been held up as powerful structures for teachers' continuing professional development. In this work, the author has applied transformative learning theory to highlight the psychic risks of collaborative teacher learning, as well as the need for practical efforts to improve student learning--the means…

Ongoing educational reform initiatives have ushered in significant changes in teacher-certification regulations. Many states no longer offer permanent certification, but instead require teachers to participate in career-long professional development (PD). Accordingly, increasing attention is being paid to the effectiveness of PD initiatives,…

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…

The Cogan-Goldhammer model of clinical supervision is described and some modifications to it reviewed. The theoretical bases of the model are discussed. (Author/MT)

The California Mentor Teacher Program is a state-supported initiative to encourage and reward outstanding teachers and to provide staff development services for other members of the profession. Designated mentors receive an additional stipend and are assigned duties and responsibilities, including assistance and guidance to other teachers. (MT)

Brown University has engaged in a series of interrelated collaborative efforts with local schools and schools across the country. The three programs, which differ considerably in their immediate aims and constituencies, are described. Issues of such partnerships are discussed. (Author/MT)

This study investigates the value of early field experience students' observations of both peers and cooperating teachers in elementary classrooms where they had daily instructional duties. The participants in this study were 34 elementary education students enrolled in their last semester of coursework before the final student teaching…

A teacher describes her evolution from idealistic beginner, through bubble bursting, to searching for ways to serve the needs of each child. With support from her district, her principal, professional groups, and extension classes, she entered the blossoming stage of teaching, a period of assimilation and integration. (MT)

Focuses on preservice teacher education by considering teacher reflectivity as an end rather than a means. The article provides a rationale for reflective teacher education in arguing the need to have teachers who are thoughtful, passionate, and principled educational decision makers. (GLR)