Effective professional development for teachers can have an enormous impact on teaching and learning in the school organization. It is important that professional development is sustained and of high quality for improved learning outcomes to be realized. According to the Center for American Progress report 14 hours of high quality professional development on a single topic is needed before the classroom is impacted to a statistically significant degree.
Research from the International Society of Technology Education reveals that high quality PD is job-embedded, personalized, and designed to promote skill transfer. Professional learning experiences must respond to teachers' interest, needs, and the classroom settings. A Walden University study reports that teachers who use technology frequently place the highest emphasis on using technology to promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. These are essential 21st Century skills for staff and students alike.
