Professional development is at the core of this collaborative venture. By working together on a regional basis, school districts can more effectively help students reach high standards. Teachers need to play a central role in designing and leading professional development programs to assure that the programs have quality, authenticity, and relevance. WCC has recruited and supported a cadre of accomplished teacher leaders from the region to provide collegial, interactive professional development programs related to Oregon's standards-based learning and assessment system. In any given year, between 300 and 500 teachers participate in the coalition's regional professional development programs, in which teachers come together at central locations for institutes, courses, workshops, or informal colleague-exchange networks.
Senior trainers are the most seasoned and distinguished teacher leaders from the region.
They not only lead professional development programs, but also serve as mentors for new teacher trainers in the cadre. Senior trainers must go through a formal application process. Currently, there are five senior trainers in the coalition. In addition to the senior trainers are the associate trainers. They are skilled teachers leaders nominated by their district, or by other teachers in WCC schools, based upon their success as trainers or their potential for success.