Introduction Staff development is a well-established practice with a long history in the teaching profession. In recent years, the nationwide school reform movement has placed an even greater premium on the need to help teachers and other school employees perform effectively in their jobs. Teaching is one of the most labor-intensive industries in the country, and schools are the single largest employer in many communities.
Professional development takes on importance the very moment teachers begin their careers.
New recruits from teacher training programs are the beneficiaries of introductory teaching skills. Because of the limited time of training in college, beginning teachers have been exposed only to the basic cognitive and skill domains of teaching. Thus, they must refine their skills and expand their repertoires in a school-based setting. Professional development is one method through which these teachers continue to augment their skills and competencies. Professional development attempts to keep seasoned teachers new by providing the substantive and purposive knowledge necessary to improve their skills, stay abreast of advances in their disciplines, and contribute to school and district renewal.