Teacher study groups are designed to support teacher learning through professional conversations and collaboration. They can be organized formally or informally at the school site to allow teachers to examine research, discuss books, and become lifelong learners. Effective teacher study groups are arranged through various activities like topic study, practice study, and online formats. Principals play an important role by creating a safe environment and giving teachers ownership over their own professional development.

1. COLLABORATIVE
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT:
TEACHER STUDY GROUPS
Freddie Williford

2. TEACHER STUDY GROUPS
•Teacher Study Groups
•Whole-Faculty Groups
•Book Studies
•“By giving ownership to teachers and putting
them in charge of their own learning, a
deeper level of learning occurs (Cayuso,
Fegan, & McAlister, 2004).”

3. TEACHER STUDY GROUPS
• Support and Nurture teacher learning
• Site-based
• Formal or informal
• Promote professional conversations
• Conduit for teachers to become lifelong learners

4. TEACHER STUDY GROUPS:
HOW ARE THEY ARRANGED?
• Activities Reading and discussing books, examining latest research
• Work Topic Study Group
Practice Study Groups
Online Study Groups

5. STRATEGIES FOR GETTING STARTED
• Training
• Visitation
• Outreach
• Professional Development Library
• Launch

6. ORGANIZING STUDY GROUPS
•Brainstorming
•Narrowing the Topic
•Extending Meetings
•Reflection on Process and Content

7. THE ROLE OF THE PRINCIPAL
• Positive
• Negative
• “zone of safety” (Lipka & McCarty, 1994)