Advancing Sustainable Development Through Teacher Professional Development

Abstract

Teachers are at the heart of education systems because they directly interact with and influence learners in communities around the world. Teachers should be supported through dynamic professional development to engage them as critical partners in sustainable development. Professional development should exhibit the research-based characteristics of a strong content focus, active learning, collaboration, and sufficient duration. Connecting to teacher professional identities and supporting the development of teacher efficacy can help inspire teachers to become change agents in their communities. Communities of practice are one example of professional development practice that bring these elements together. Teacher professional development is an important component of the transformation, but teacher professional development needs to be supported by the educational system to fully realize the potential for impact.