Transforming Students’ School Experiences through Teachers’ Sustained Professional Learning

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 11:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Strengthening Teacher Growth and Student Learning through School–University Partnerships: Perceptions, Professional Learning, and Mentorship

Abstract

While high-quality professional learning is known to improve teaching, less is understood about its impact on students. This study examines how students’ school experiences shifted after their teachers engaged in sustained professional learning within three school-university partnerships. Analysis of interviews with 26 teachers and recordings from final program sessions revealed four key shifts in students’ experiences at school: strengthened relationships, greater emotional safety and empathy in classrooms, increased confidence and skills in learning, and elevated student voice. As we envision thriving futures for learners, this study highlights the potential of school-university partnership in supporting teacher professional learning that is sustainable and positively shapes students’ experiences at school, reporting concrete perceived student outcomes.

Authors

• Yun-chen Yen, Pennsylvania State University

• Danielle Butville, Pennsylvania State University