Teacher Development: The Cornerstone of Student Success

Author: (USA) Joyce / (USA) Showers / Tang Yue / Zhou Qiaowan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: This book has become a comprehensive guide in establishing the core agenda of teacher professional development. This work weaves together all these student-friendly factors—classroom, school, district, and national policy. Based on my analysis of successful reforms, the research findings and case studies in this book are convincing and reliable. Joyce and Showers continue to hold an unwavering authority in the study of the role of teacher professional development, as teacher development is a key condition for all students to learn better. —Professor Michael Fullan
This book draws on numerous examples that promote student success, and these examples are all very concise. First, the authors argue that fostering the learning of all students should be the sole goal of teacher development. Next, they demonstrate the close connection between teacher development, the development of professional learning communities, curriculum, teaching, and the transformation of ethos, and their gradual impact on student learning. The authors use case studies to validate their points, clearly showing how the content and process of teacher development can change the functions of classrooms and schools. Joyce and Showers offer many suggestions for designing training programs and peer coaching, transitioning from workshops to classrooms, and investigating and evaluating what students are learning. In addition to focusing on teacher development and student learning, the new edition places greater emphasis on the importance of a broad foundation for teacher development and student learning infrastructure. The book includes new chapters and analyses in the following areas:
1. The state of human development
2. Establishing learning communities in districts and schools
3. The role of leadership at the school and district levels
4. Policy implications of national teacher development standards.