But if you train classroom teachers to meet those needs, you'll have smaller classes and an entirely different resource allocation. Professional development can be greatly improved if teachers collaborate not only with their colleagues, but with the larger community as well, asserts Schickele, who serves on the NFIE board. This includes parents, community members, businesses, civic leaders, researchers, museums, artists and others who could be useful to schools. There are wonderful programs in museums. Teachers can work with knowledgeable people to meet the needs of their students.
Universities can also serve as major resources for teachers' professional development.
Across the country, public schools and universities are forming new partnerships called professional development schools to improve teaching and learning. Numbering around 400, they offer a venue where practicing teachers are given opportunities for professional growth, as well as opportunities to conduct research. They also provide pre-service teachers a setting in which to apply their knowledge and skills. Partnerships encourage elementary and secondary teachers to take training on the university campus, and university staff to visit school sites and conduct training there. The NFIE study urges higher education institutions and related research societies to recognize public school teachers as a major conduit through which advances in knowledge can be transmitted to the public.