Why Teachers Need
Professional Development:
Teachers Need Time
As the Eiffel Tower was not built in a day, teachers are not going to know how to teach in a reform style all at once.  Teaching is a complex trade.  Few other jobs demand the type of multi-tasking that teaching mandates.  In order to develop the skills needed to teach reform mathematics, it is impearative to communicate with other teachers.  This communication can take place over the internet, at conferences, in the break room, or through written material.
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The NCTM Standards call for it:
"Mathematics teachers must develop and maintain the mathematics and pedagogical knowledge they need to reach their students well.  One way to do this is to collaborate with their colleagues and to create their own learning opportunities where none exists.  They should also seek high-quality professional development opportunities that fit their learning needs.  By persuing sources of information, building communities of colleagues, and participating in professional development, teachers can continue to grow as professionals"
(National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2000) Principles and Standards of School Mathematics. Reston, VA. NCTM. pg.373).
Types of Professional Development:
               (click here for more information)
~ Reflective Practitioner
~ Critical Friend
~ Teacher Leader, Mentor, or Coach
~ Outside Resources
What is Professional Development?
The Michigan State Board of Education defines professional development as "a continuous process of improvement to promote high standards of academic achievement and responsible citizenship for all members of the learning community to pursue life long learning."
Why Ask WHY?
Schools in America want to be comeptative with schools around the world.  Just as a business continually keep up with new innovations in order to be competative with a business in Japan, so a school system must do the same.  Each year people around the world discover new things in technology, psychology, industry, and agriculture.  Each of these areas effect education.  To keep the educational system effective, teachers must have knowledge of the innovations before they can impliment them in the classroom.