Impact of Teacher Professional Development on Student Learning

Abstract

Professional development of teachers is a lifelong process which begins with the initial preparation that teachers receive and continues until retirement. The importance of teacher professional development stems from the fact that teachers are the most important change agents in the educational system. Teacher professional development is a cornerstone in the shift toward student-centered learning. When teachers are trained to focus on the individual needs, strengths, and interests of their students, the learning experience becomes more personalized and meaningful. Professional development programs that emphasize differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and technology integration empower teachers to create learning opportunities that resonate with diverse learners. Teacher professional learning is of increasing interest as one way to support the increasingly complex skills students need to succeed in the 21st century. However, many teacher professional development initiatives appear ineffective in supporting changes in teacher practices and student learning. This paper focuces on the impact of teacher professional development 0n students learning.Teachers may have a significant influence on students and push them to stay on track during their formative years.

Keywords:   Teacher Professional Development, Student, learning, Technology, Project ,  Opportunities.