How district leaders can revolutionize professional learning

Abstract

District leaders want professional learning (PL) experiences to change teachers’ practice for the benefit of students, but too often it has no effect. Teacher educators Sarah Lupo, Joshua M. Pulos, Chelsey M. Bahlmann Bollinger, Mark A. Lewis, and Ben Riden describe five tips to help district leaders engage educators in meaningful and impactful PL experiences with the goal of improving student outcomes. Tips include: listen to teacher voice when selecting topics for PL, connect research and practice to garner buy in for PL experiences, encourage participation by making learning relevant to their school and classroom, provide opportunities for teachers to apply what they are learning, and start small and go “deep” into topics.

Keywords

Professional learning Professional development Teacher learning Teacher improvement Teacher agency

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