| Increasing teacher retention through professional development programs involving teachers as planners and implementers is examined by exploring school climate and its effect on teacher morale. Substandard physical spaces that are often in disrepair, poor administrative support, disillusionment with teaching, poor teacher recruiting practices, and a sense that teaching is not a respected profession contribute to teacher discouragement. Increasing pressure on teachers for higher test scores and threats of sanctions for under-performing schools under No Child Left Behind are sources of teacher dissatisfaction. Teachers are challenged by growing numbers of ethnic, linguistic, religious, and culturally diverse students. Integrating unfamiliar technologies contributes to teachers being overwhelmed. One solution to teacher discouragement is effective professional development that embraces adult learning theory, especially andragogy and transformative learning, and is designed to support teachers in their work, adequately address their needs, and includes high levels of teacher involvement in planning and implementation. A design process for professional development involving all stakeholders in an organic interaction is the summation of the research. |
