In December, Linda Roberts, director of education technology for the U.S. Department of Education, announced the results of a nationwide teachers poll on the status of technology-related staff development. The findings, according to Roberts, indicated that classroom technology produced higher student achievement only when teachers had access to appropriate staff-development activities. That same day, before 2,500 teachers in Washington, D.C., Roberts introduced the 21st Century Teachers Network, 21CT, an organization whose goal is to fill the gap between technology and higher student achievement through the education of teachers. So began the largest experiment in volunteer-based teacher mentoring. The network is now a nationwide movement encouraging teachers to develop new technology skills and use those skills in the classroom.
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21CT is attempting to give teachers the support and knowledge they need to become true leaders in the effective use of technology in schools. While there are several professional development initiatives nationwide, this one is different in that the network is run by teachers for teachers. Those who receive training are asked to share their knowledge with five colleagues. This new spin on staff development is unique because it makes teachers responsible for their own education and makes learning available to them at any time through the Internet. If proven successful, this combination of training, online support and guidance may be the future of professional development.