Professional development

This book presents the concept of professional development its goals and objectives and its benefits to employers and employees in general and to teachers in particular. In addition it covers the categories of professional development such as work-based learning (WBL) professional activities formal professional development education/training self-directed professional training/learning informal learning for teachers and professional thinking and skills. The elements of effective teacher professional development and professional development models have also been discussed. In addition professional growth and development opportunities such as hosting a student teacher community or service organizations study group symposia and retreats peer-coaching teachers’ conventions and school improvement teams are presented. Finally professional learning activities and opportunities including classroom and school visitation examining students’ work self-reflection and reflective practice integrated curriculum planning lesson study teacher leadership internet research and online professional development programs are covered.