As others have responded (Daum, Solomon, Walters), the paradigm for professional development has shifted away from the kind of PD that used to be commonplace in schools (the one day workshop). Instead, what is needed is ongoing learning that deals with and responds to the realities of the classroom and takes into account the specific context of the school and the wisdom of peers.
Educators need an array of PD tools on a continuum from short to long-term and less intensive to more intensive, that can be blended. Educators need unfettered access to these resources, so the web presents a great opportunity for PD, including web resources like articles, blogs, and videos, webinars in real time or archived, communities of practice (CoP) and e-learning classes.
Please visit www.yuschoolpartnership.org for access to resources to support school improvement and continuing education.
- Naava Frank, Ed.D.
Director of Continuing Education and Professional Development
Institute for University-School Partnership
Azrieli Graduate School
Yeshiva University
