Running head: Literature Review Domain F 1

Literature Review Domain F

TED 690 – Capstone
Brian Malfavon
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Abstract
This paper examines the book Why Professional Development Matters by Hayes Mizell. Mizell

answers questions that discuss professional development within school districts, and the

importance of educator professional development to ensure a successful education experience for

every child.
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According to Mizell, “teaching quality and school leadership are the most important

factors in raising student achievement” (p.3). Professional development is practical method to

learn and apply new knowledge and skills that will improve job performance for any staff

member in school district. In professional development meetings, educators learn the skills and

concepts necessary to help students learn at the highest levels and raise student achievement.

Mizell answers why educators need extra support through professional development

when he states, “new teachers juggle an overwhelming number of unfamiliar issues, such as

classroom management, instruction, curriculum, school culture and operations, test preparation

and administration, state standards, parent relations, and interactions with other teachers” (p.6).

He argues that if teachers are not guided through these topics they could develop

counterproductive behaviors. With the extra support, however, teachers can learn more effective

practices to apply to daily challenges.

There are various different kinds of professional development that can assist educators in

developing their skills. Mizell identifies the two types of professional development as formal and

informal processes (p.5). The formal process usually entail conferences, seminars, and

workshops among collaborative members. The informal process can occur in contexts like

discussions with colleagues, readings and research, or observations of a colleague’s work. It is

important to realize that professional development and the learning process can occur very

easily, and does not require an extensive expenditure in money.

It is important to understand that professional development must be organized and

thoughtful to benefit all participants. Mizell highlights that many eduactors often complain that

they are required to participate in a professional development that does not address the real

challenges they face in their schools and classrooms (p.19-20). Mizell identifies a “one-size-fits-
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all” approach by many administrators that may not consider the varying levels of motivation,

interests, knowledge, and skill. I believe that allowing educators the freedom of choice about

what topic they may wish to explore will alleviate this problem, and increase results in educator

development.

I am eager to continue learning about how to be an effective teacher. As stated by Mizell,

“A teacher can never know enough about how a student learns, what impedes the student’s

learning, and how the teacher’s instruction can increase the student’s learning” (p.18). As an

educator it is my duty to understand the individuality of every student and use my knowledge

and skillets to implement high quality instruction. Through effective professional development,

the opportunities to improve how I help students succeed expand exponentially.

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Reference

Mizell, H. (2010) Why Professional Development Matters. Retrieved December 5, 2018, from

https://learningforward.org/docs/default-source/pdf/why_pd_matters_web.pdf