All teachers benefit from ongoing opportunities for professional development and peer support.
Without such opportunities, teachers become isolated from one another and the supports they need to deepen content knowledge, explore instructional strategies, build leadership skills, and learn about reform efforts. Networking among teachers, therefore, is critical to quality teaching and learning within the School District of Philadelphia and the successful implementation of school reform strategies. The Purpose Since its inception, the Philadelphia Education Fund has actively supported teacher networks as a professional development tool to improve teaching and learning, encourage teacher collaboration and further school reform efforts. Participants in these networks meet together, on a voluntary basis, to collectively engage in professional development. The work includes reflection on content knowledge and pedagogy, leadership development, access to national organizations and reform efforts, and collaboration with local universities, museums and cultural institutions.