Teacher development : making an impact

Abstract

This study began as an update of promising practices in teacher education programs that have been particularly successful in enhancing student learning in their own context. Along the way of undertaking case studies, the study expanded to include the impact of teacher education on children's learning; effective teaching; trends in teacher development from around the world; recruitment and retention of teachers; incentives; and evaluation, supervision, and management, including cost-related issues. Some of the ideas are drawn from the case studies. Other ideas come from additional research literature. Key findings include: 1) Teacher education can make a difference to student achievement. 2) Teachers need to be actively involved in the change process. 3) Teacher development is about ongoing professional growth and support. 4) Teacher development is a process along a continuum of learning. 5) Alternative teacher education programs should be considered. 6) It is important to create conditions that lead to sustainability. The study also recommends fundamental changes in: system support, ongoing professional development in the early years, and ongoing professional development in the years after initial preparation.