Teacher Perceptions of Professional Development: The Importance of Individualized Support and Alignment With Teacher Evaluation

• In Event: Teachers' Beliefs, Perceptions, and Definitions of Key Aspects of Teaching

Abstract

Teacher professional development is key for improving teacher effectiveness, which in turn drives student success. Evidence suggests that for professional development to be impactful, teachers must feel satisfied with the training they receive and be willing to apply what they learn during professional development in the classroom. Although much has been learned about characteristics of effective professional development, few studies have directly linked professional development characteristics with teacher satisfaction or teacher use of professional development knowledge. This study examines these relationships using survey data from over 1,000 teachers across seven states. Results show that individualized expert support and alignment with teacher evaluation are each associated with higher levels of teacher satisfaction and use of professional development.

Authors

• Marina Serdiouk, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Jessica E. Hall, Pearson

• Tanee Hudgens, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Trevor Leutscher, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Handrea A. Logis, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Joshua H. Barnett, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching