Chapter 6: Effective Professional Development: What Is It?

Since the middle school movement began in earnest over thirty years ago, teachers have been attending in-services, after-school meetings, seminars, and conferences as a way to get “developed professionally” for their roles as middle grades educators. But, what is professional development and just what makes it effective? This chapter begins with a definition of effective professional development and a discussion of key elements. Then we offer seven recommendations to consider when planning effective professional development activities. Embedded throughout the chapter are the voices of middle school teachers reflecting upon their professional development activities. All the teachers indicated their professional development experiences deepened their knowledge and skills. The professional development occurred in a variety of ways, sometimes individually, but most often within a community of learners. In addition, in each instance, the professional development was relevant, focused, and embedded in work; held in a supportive context with adequate time; was collegial and collaborative; and finally, empowering.