Susan E. Israel

Improving Teacher Professional Learning

One of the most frequent remarks we hear from teachers when we work with schools and organizations to set up collaborative learning communities, such as collaborative teacher research groups, is ‘‘We just don’t have the time!’’ It is true that teachers are often overwhelmed with the day-to-day work of teaching and the many responsibilities that go along with it. How can teachers possibly fit even one more task into their days? Collaborative learning communities can inspire and energize teachers to commit to this type of professional development—to become part of a community of practice—as a priority in their work. How to Use This Chapter