Personalizing Professional Growth : Staff Development That Works

In current practice most staff development in the United States education system is designed for an entire school or district in a `one size fits all′ approach. However, new approaches to staff development, based on constructivist learning theory, are beginning to acknowledge the individuality and self-determination of professional teachers.

Nine such models of staff development are presented clearly in this book, and the profiles of teachers and administrators most likely to succeed in each model are discussed. Methods of accountability for each model are also explained.

The practical suggestions here are immediately useful to educational leaders in their quest for genuine school improvement. Jean Wynne, Codirector, Northeast Ohio Regional Professional Center, Cleveland State University, Ohio "Gives viable and practical suggestions and procedures for bringing teachers into a new era of professionalism." Frank Aquila, Former Book and Audio Visual Editor, the Journal of Staff Development Learn how to recognize teachers′ abilities and incorporate them into your staff development plans. Marczely brings her firsthand experience in staff development to help you produce meaningful, positive changes in your teacher education or staff development programs. The author shows how you can * Use techniques developed outside education to benefit your school staff * Acknowledge teachers′ individualities and encourage positive growth * Tailor staff members′ development plans to fit their specific learning styles * Develop a "career ladder" for your staff to work toward * Create meaningful rewards for staff members′ professional achievements Get rid of the "one size fits all" approach and you′ll start to see real signs of development and improvement in your school staff. Encourage your teachers to find their own ways to continually improve skills and knowledge. You can personalize the nine field-tested models here for your own staff development programs to direct your teachers in attaining their maximum professional potential. Here are the profile diagrams, planning forms, and the detailed research to help you begin implementing these innovative ideas in your school. Your teachers, your students, and your students parents will thank you.