Teachers Know Best: Teachers’ Views on Professional Development

Teaching can be isolating, and we have been trying to figure out how to connect teachers in more powerful ways to have conversations about their profession and practice. Teacher fellowships are one way for teachers to connect, reflect, and improve their practice.

In this open letter to teachers, I am restating my claim that teachers are the experts. I urge teachers to talk with other teachers about their practice, and raise their voice about what they need to help their students learn.

Every teacher has strengths and weaknesses—so what happens when teachers who are weak in some areas pair with teachers who are strong in those areas to share their skills? Findings from an initiative developed by the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) suggest that when teachers work together, everybody wins—and grows.