Professional Development in Minneapolis Public Schools. Importance: The Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) along with the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) agree on the importance of professional development and support of its teachers. It is a crucial factor in creating and maintaining an excellent school system focused on ensuring that all students learn. In addition, the District's ability to attract, develop, and retain excellent and diverse teachers is improved when a strong professional development foundation exists. Definition and Anticipated Results: Professional development is the process by which teachers individually and jointly enhance and update their knowledge of standards, curriculum, and content, and improve their instructional skills and strategies. Effective and continuous professional development expands the knowledge base and repertoire of practices and skills necessary for teacher to engage in educated and optimal decision making so that all students acquire the highest quality of education. Enhanced professional development increases teacher effectiveness, builds confidence, morale and commitment, and subsequently, the ability to improve the quality of education of all students in MPS. Assumptions for Success: The underlying assumptions that support the success of the Professional Development Process for MPS teachers are: successful professional development is focused on student learning and achievement. the expectation that there is a school climate for professional learning and growth that provides opportunities for collaboration and dialogue around student and teacher work for the purpose of improving student achievement to meet standards. professional development is job-embedded, continuous, and focused on research-based best practices supporting the National Staff Development Council Standards and the Minneapolis Standards of Effective Instruction. opportunities for teachers to be creative in problem solving ways in which they can best support student achievement are essential to the action research process. research-based innovation and taking risks to learn is the norm and necessary for continuous learning. the instructional community is responsible for collegial growth and support with the understanding that the professionals have each other's best interest at heart.
Professional Development in Minneapolis Public Schools
