This document discusses promising practices in professional development for teachers. It defines professional development as ongoing learning opportunities available to teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge. Some common professional development practices mentioned include observation and mentoring, workshops, lesson study, peer coaching, and action research. The document focuses on professional learning communities (PLCs) as an effective professional development approach. It defines PLCs as groups of educators that work collaboratively in an ongoing process of collective inquiry into how to improve student outcomes. Research suggests that PLCs, when implemented well, can have significant positive impacts on student learning.