When possible, staff development should occur in conditions that are conducive to learning, when participants are rested and ready to engage in intensive, thoughtful activity. Seating, lighting, and work areas should be designed for adults. Quality food and drink should be available during longer sessions. Be collaboratively developed by participants. While the focus of staff development needs to be school mission and goals, teachers should be partners in determining the focus, duration, and follow-up of the training.
Collaborative development increases teacher commitment and identification with the program.
Involve alternative strategies to teacher learning. The classic work of Joyce and Showers notes the importance of moving past the traditional lecture-based workshop. For staff development to work, teachers need the time to practice new approaches in the classroom and receive coaching and feedback from colleagues and principals. With coaching and feedback, skills are more likely to become imbedded in professional practice. These booklets provide comprehensive standards for staff development at different levels and are a must read for educators.