Designing and Implementing Effective Professional Learning

For sustained success, educators must commit to their own lifelong improvement.

Commitment to high-quality professional learning is a common aspect of educational systems of the the world’s highest-achieving nations. Despite evidence that effective professional learning can be a powerful lever for school improvement, much of the professional development (PD) that is conducted in the United States has had limited impact on teacher practice...

In these pages, John Murray identifies research-based characteristics of effective teacher professional learning, detailing eight strategies for planning and executing professional development programs and evaluating their results. Content includes:

• The proven "backward" approach to articulating the goals of your PD program
• Descriptions of innovative and effective designs for professional learning such as Lesson Study and Instructional Rounds  
• Powerful approaches to designing and implementing  online PD

Packed with templates that make getting started easy, this all-in-one resource will facilitate deep professional learning that truly enhances student achievement.

"This book is one that any teacher or administrator who is involved with leading professional learning and continuous improvement―new to the field or with great experience―would find great value in."
― Jeff Ronneberg, Superintendent
Spring Lake Park Schools, MN

"This is a critical resource that should be on every education leader’s bookshelf. You will be challenged to find another book with so much helpful information on so many important professional development strategies that you can get started on immediately to facilitate real change in your school."
― John D. Ross, Educational Consultant
Pulaski, VA

John Murray is an educational consultant and presenter on effective teacher learning practices in American schools. He has also been a classroom teacher, science department head, high school principal, and university instructor in his over 20 years as an educator. His previous book was titled Effective Teacher Learning Practices in U.S. Independent Schools, and he has published over a dozen articles on effective teacher professional learning. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Auburn University, an M.A. in Private School Administration from Teacher’s College at Columbia University, and both an M.Ed. and B.A. from the University of Virginia.