WHAT WORKS IN EDUCATION The George Lucas Educational Foundation
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Teacher Development

OVERVIEW
IMPORTANCE
RESEARCH
PROGRAMS
Growing Great Teachers
Just as professionals in medicine, architecture, and law have opportunities to learn through participating in internships and learning best practices, exemplary teacher-preparation programs allow teacher candidates the time to spend in classrooms with experienced mentors. Watch an introduction video.
Why is Teacher Development Important?
Students deserve the best. Teacher-preparation programs provide educators-to-be with the tools, mentors, and hands-on experience they'll need once they begin their career. See about a career in teaching.
Research Review: Teacher Development and Leadership
The human touch is the most valuable element in education. Teachers, administrators, and parents play critical roles in coaching and guiding students through the learning process, nurturing students' interest and confidence as learners. Dig deeper.
Innovative Exemplars
Teacher-preparation programs are responding to the increasingly complex needs of new teachers, and we profile ten of the most innovative exemplars. Learn more.

Explore Examples That Work

See how teachers, administrators, and parents play critical roles in coaching and guiding students through the learning process, nurturing students' interests and confidence as learners. See the Big List.
Article
Teacher Excellence Narrows the Achievement Gap
By embracing research-backed instructional design, consistent PD, and strong, caring relationships, all boats are rising and teachers have gone from surviving to thriving at this once-failing middle school.
Blog
High-Impact Professional Development for Rural Schools
This high-quality professional development program consisting of 200 hours of training spread over two years has consistently demonstrated positive impacts on student achievement.
Article
School Leadership: Resource Roundup
Whether you're an administrator or a teacher leader, you will find some great advice and tips in this list of videos, blogs, and articles on school leadership.
Article
Resources for Understanding the Common Core State Standards
An educator's guide to websites, organizations, articles, and other resources looking at the new system of standards and how they will be assessed.
Blog
21st-Century PLNs for School Leaders
George Couros, school district administrator, encourages social media newbies to expand their PLNs for their own professional development, as well as for the benefit of their students.
Video
Curry School of Education: Early Classroom Exposure Improves Teacher Preparation
At the University of Virginia, aspiring teachers are well prepared by working directly in classrooms and using the latest technology.
Article
Bank Street College of Education: Hands-On Training and Mentoring Create Leaders
Where graduate students and kids learn side-by-side.

Foundations and Organizations