This book presents a systematic literature review focusing on studies examining teachers’ participation in professional development (PD) within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland since 1990. It has identified 81 relevant studies and summarizes the results while answering the following research questions: What are teachers’ self-reported reasons participate in formal PD? What barriers do teachers report that prevent them to participate in formal PD? What individual and context characteristics are associated with teachers’ PD behavior? Teachers’ PD is considered to be an important part of the teaching profession. It is seen as a tool for constant further development for teachers to adapt to changing standards in schools and classrooms, requirements for students, and personal challenges associated with the daily work in school. However, it is repeatedly claimed that there is no sufficient research with regard to teachers’ participation in formal PD, as well as of aspects that may influence their PD behavior. In spite of a large number of studies that contribute to this question within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, only a few of them are cited regularly. Since much of this research is published in German, the results are not accessible for international researchers and comparisons between different countries. This comprehensive review makes these result accessible.

This survey aims to help countries review and develop policies to make the teaching profession more attractive and more effective.

The OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) is the largest international survey asking teachers and school leaders about their working conditions and learning environments, and provides a barometer of the profession every five years. Results from the 2018 cycle explore and examine the various dimensions of teacher and school leader professionalism across education systems.

This report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of teachers’ and school leaders’ perceptions of the value of their profession, their work-related well-being and stress, and their satisfaction with their working conditions. It also offers a description of teachers’ and school leaders’ contractual arrangements, opportunities to engage in professional tasks such as collaborative teamwork, autonomous decision making, and leadership practices.

Countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have clear aspirations to strengthen civic participation and increase prosperity for all. A highly skilled and knowledgeable population is critical to achieving these goals, which makes creating and maintaining high quality and equitable education systems a vital part of regional development efforts. Results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) show that learning outcomes in the region have generally improved, but that the improvement has not been equitable. While countries in the region are producing some of the top performing students in the world, many other students are being left behind.

Educators play a significant role in the intellectual and social development of children and young adults. Next-generation teachers can only be as strong as their own educational foundation which serves to cultivate their knowledge of the learning process, uncover best practices in the field of education, and employ leadership abilities that will inspire students of all ages. Teacher Education: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications explores the current state of pre-service teacher programs as well as continuing education initiatives for in-service educators. Emphasizing the growing role of technology in teacher skill development and training as well as key teaching methods and pedagogical developments, this multi-volume work compiles research essential to higher education professionals and administrators, educational software developers, and researchers studying pre-service and in-service teacher training.

Teachers Matter provides a comprehensive, international analysis of trends and developments in the teacher workforce in 25 countries around the world including research on attracting, developing and retaining effective teachers.

The Professional Development School (PDS) movement has been a major vehicle for the simultaneous renewal of Pre-K-12 education and the teaching profession for nearly twenty years. This second volume in a series created by Towson University goes beyond «start up» stories and presents data-based discussions on a variety of topics about PDS implementation and assessment, including PDSs in specialty areas, such as music and physical education, mentoring, teacher development, standards, accountability, and sustainability. Chapters are written by researchers who presented their work at the Second National Professional Development School Conference sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education's Professional Development School Network, and who represent public and private colleges and universities and school districts in Maine, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, Kansas, and Missouri, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).