Teacher Professional Learning Through Teacher Network Programs
Abstract
"High-quality professional development opportunities for teachers are centrally important to improve instructional effectiveness and increase student learning. Teacher practice networks have emerged as a potential mechanism to support teacher professional learning and supplement other types of professional development available to teachers. Network programs support teachers and their instructional practice by (a) providing access to instructional materials, (b) providing training and support in the use of instructional resources and strategies, and (c) enabling teachers to connect with a network of other teachers to support instructional improvements.This study examined the experiences of teachers in six schools participating in one of three teacher network programs during the 2016-17 school year. The goal of the research was to provide an in-depth picture that would describe how teachers engage in networks, what they may gain from participation, and how their learning from network programs may spread throughout their schools."