Improving professional learning for teachers

2014-10-31Effective professional development enhances, maintains, and provides teachers with high-quality practices that are evidence-based and efficient (Darling-Hammond, 2009). Schools leaders should aim at building teacher capacity and generating higher levels of thinking by promoting learning that encourages teacher collaboration and relevant instructional strategies. Collaboration allows teachers opportunities to converse knowledgeably about methods, theories, and process of teaching and learning, consequently improving teacher practice (Hausman & Goldring, 2001). It is leadership’s responsibility to nurture and support teacher learning by facilitating and implementing strategies that will sustain an environment for learning (Watkins, 2005). Principals need to routinely manage resources, provide direction, and implement the necessary tools required in an organization that promotes a community of learners (Mullen & Hutinger, 2008)