Professional Learning That Empowers Teachers With Choice: A Conference Approach

• In Event: 30.080 - Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 30.080-8 - Professional Development From the Ground Up: Teachers at the Center of Their Own Learning

Abstract

Despite the fact that nearly 100% of teachers participate in professional development experiences (Schools and Staffing Survey, 2011), various research studies (i.e., Bill and Melinda Gates, 2014; Wei, Darling-Hammond, Andree, Richardson, & Orphanos, 2009) indicate low teacher satisfaction with the majority of professional learning experiences and little teacher choice over professional learning content. The purpose of this mixed-methods research study was to investigate both the short and long-term effects on teacher professional learning and practice of attending a district-led conference. Survey data from two annual conferences were analyzed and results indicated positive teacher feedback on this free choice approach to adult learning. Emergent themes regarding included: professional collaboration, relevance of session topics, freedom to choose sessions, and peer feedback.

Authors

• Rebecca Smith, University of Portland

• Nicole Ralston, University of Portland

• Zulema Naegele, De La Salle North Catholic High School