While we know that professionalization improves outcomes for teachers, education policy has effectively "deprofessionalized" teachers, especially those who serve immigrant English Learners. Based on a three-year case study, this paper explores how teachers in an immigrant-serving school exercised autonomy and authority over their…

This article highlights the ways justice-oriented activist teachers of Color nurture themselves professionally through their involvement in critical professional development through activist teacher networks. This study conducted narrative inquiries of 26 activist teachers of Color across the United States. The counter-stories told by the teachers…

This qualitative historical single-case study examines how a practitioner-directed approach to professional development for teachers resulted in successful technology integration in a newly unified school district in California's Central Valley. The study details the process of creating and implementing a professional development plan for newly…

Physical education teachers use motivational strategies that can (positively or negatively) affect their students' level of motivation and engagement. Indeed, according to their experiences and beliefs, some teachers may focus on strategies that thwart, rather than support, students' psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness).…

This study focuses on enhancing science education through improved instructional strategies and professional development for educators. It assesses current instructional practices, analyzes past professional development participation, and reviews student achievement data. A notable gap is the lack of tailored follow-up support for educators,…

Until recently, many early childhood educators, particularly those in nontraditional preschool spaces, leaned on a color-evasive approach to their work, largely ignoring systemic racism and bias, claiming love and acceptance of all children in their care. While well-intentioned, these practices left young children to construct their own…

Personalized learning is gaining popularity among educational leaders due to reexamining teaching and learning the pedagogy by increasing student ownership. However, the implementation of personalized learning is limited, even after professional development opportunities. The problem addressed in this study was the inconsistency in the content and…

Educators are tasked with providing personalized, engaging, and equitable learning experiences. This Spotlight delves into strategies to empower teachers and equip them with the tools to foster student success, including competency-based learning, equitable tech access, and productive failure. Discover how professional development can enhance…

In October 2021, California passed Assembly Bill No. 101, making it the first state in the nation to add ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement. Ethnic studies programs provide students with a comprehensive understanding of diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives, while fostering inclusive learning environments and empowering…

Much of the formal professional development teachers experience consists of short-term workshops that maintain -- rather than disrupt -- the systems of power that reproduce educational inequities. In response, some scholars have advocated critical professional development (PD) as a means of supporting teachers' interrogation of these inequities…

An achievement gap exists in the United States between children of color and their white peers. This gap is most prevalent in literacy. Achievement in literacy is pertinent to student success in other content areas. To address this problem, educational researchers have identified a conceptual framework, culturally relevant pedagogy, that provides…

When we embark on a journey, every action revolves around the destination. Of course, not all trips are smooth sailing. We inevitably hit distractions, obstacles, and detours. These challenges threaten to blow us off course, but when we stay focused on the destination rather than the barriers, we can move forward. The same is true in education.…

Teacher autonomy refers to a teacher's empowerment in the classroom, school, and community, leading to instructional efficacy and professionalism. Despite its proven contribution to pedagogical decision-making, studies reveal that many teachers lack sufficient autonomy mainly owing to institutional constraints. It is suggested that teachers…

Nowadays, in this rapidly changing environment, organizational learning constitutes a critical component toward school effectiveness. In a transitional period, the Greek nation is going through, as a consequence of a multifaceted and multi-layered crisis, the future of Greece's well-being depends on improving educational performance to boost…

Based on years of extensive research on teacher development, this book offers a practical introduction to the concept of teacher reflection, demonstrating how student teachers can engage with reflective learning from their teaching and classroom experiences in a systematic and inspiring way. Providing practical models and guidelines for use in the…