They continue to search for more effective practices by consuming and adding to available research on teaching and learning. They accept the strong relationship between the quality of their decisions and their professional effectiveness. The essence of professionalism is decision making. Teachers apply knowledge and skill to a variety of classroom situations, allowing contextual variables to guide appropriately their decision. They make decisions before, during, and after teaching that impact student learning.
Teachers gradually develop in their ability to use knowledge and skill in classroom contexts.
Teachers become more expert over time. Developing teachers move away from preoccupation with self and theoretical principle toward the learner and application of principle. Teachers differ in patterns of development, and therefore in style. The direction of teacher development can be described with the use of the novice-expert model. Developing teachers become more and more concerned about the effects of their behavior.