This article discusses aspects of the informal learning of tertiary teachers in a polytechnic, a wananga (Maori tertiary institution) and a university in New Zealand. Case studies showed that they gained their teaching knowledge and skills mainly on the job, through informal, experiential learning, and much less through formal courses,…

This book describes approaches to professional development for cooperative learning and how the use of cooperative learning for teacher learning is leading to new insights into professional growth in schools. Part 1, "Begin with the Teacher: Focusing Professional Development for Cooperative Learning," offers "Introduction:…

These articles and essays offer viewpoints from practitioners and researchers who are doing and using research for the advancement of education. Articles include: (1) The Promise of Scientific Evidence in Education (Steven Nelson); (2) A New Day for Mathematics Education? (Denise Jarrett Weeks); (3) A Tale of Two Schools: Reading Instruction in…

This guide is designed to help mentor teachers develop effective mentoring strategies, discussing how to provide direct assistance, demonstration teaching, observation, and feedback, informal contact, and role modeling. It offers monthly listings of activities designed to promote interaction between mentors and proteges that correspond to…

Just as young children learn about the world around them by playing its scripts, teachers learn about teaching and learning by playing a teacher's script, observing what happens, and discussing all of the possibilities with other teachers. This book applies a constructivist model to staff development, describing staff development activities that…

In the portraits of this collection, school- and university-based educators document their efforts to establish and sustain secondary partner schools that accomplish four purposes: educating children and youth; preparing new educators; providing professional development to current educators; and conducting inquiry. The 12 papers are as follows: "A…

This study examined connections between being a cooperating teacher and professional development, demonstrating that veteran teachers who desire to transform their teaching practices can use their work with student teachers as professional growth opportunities. It discusses how the role of cooperating teacher can affect veteran teachers'…

This paper describes the development and implementation of the Practice-Based Professional Improvement Project, a teacher-led high school improvement project that has improved academic success at several inner-city high schools in Nashville, Tennessee. The project believes that: teachers are key to school improvement; most teachers sincerely want…

Describes how to create teacher professional development networks that are run by teachers and for teachers with a common goal. The paper explains what teacher networks are and are not, and it provides information about national networks, on-site networks, and online networks. (SM)

Examines a professional-development center established by a consortium of Seattle school districts that integrates technology into constructivist classrooms. Interviews with participants and program directors and observations of teachers participating in seminars and interacting with students and teachers provided data on four elements deemed…

This guide describes a teacher mentor program for special education teachers in the Saint Tammany Parish Public School System, Louisiana. The Special Education Mentor Program provides peer support and professional development opportunities for new special education teachers. The program is intended to give immediate as well as long-term support to…

Professional development for teachers of mathematics is changing dramatically. It is changing, in terms of content and pedagogy--because of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards, which imply a more collaborative, constructive, and student-centered approach to instruction--and in terms of format--because of research on the…

This is the final report of Phase 2 of a study on teacher training and professional development in the nation members of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Phase 2 examined policy and practices of teacher induction in 11 participating APEC members. This report provides responses to a survey and three case studies. The survey asked Education…

This publication assembles the most current research on professional development and change for teachers looking to accelerate their professional growth and the improvement of student learning. Designed as a how-to resource, it reviews the stages of building an effective professional development system. The seven chapters are: (1) "Developing a…

Focusing on the benefits of mentoring for beginning teachers, this article reviews the common goals and organizational formats for mentoring programs, outlines basic knowledge and skills necessary for effective mentoring, suggests resources useful in preparing teachers to serve as mentors, and examines issues about mentoring for staff developers.…