Our contract sets aside time in the workday for engaging in professional development. We know that quality professional development is not something imposed on school communities, but genuinely addresses the needs of each school and reflects the interests of each school's staff. This professional development is most effective when it is deeply relevant to the work teachers do every day.
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Jonathan Fickies
The contract requires that each school form a staff development committee to collaboratively review, consider and develop the professional development that is offered during the time set aside for PD. With the ratification of the 2023 contract, the purview of the school-based staff development committees has been expanded to include not only the professional development block but any other school-specific professional development. The school-level committees as well as the district and functional chapter-based committees need to be formed each school year no later than Nov. 1.
This section of the website supports the committee's work.
Start by having a conversation about the goals, content and structures of PD at your school
Schools best serve their students when administrators and classroom educators collaboratively determine the goals, content and structures of professional learning. Bringing all parties on board to begin this process is critical to its success. The materials in "A New Year of Collaborative Professional Learning: Finding Purpose in the Journey," created by the UFT Teacher Center, are intended to support the work of the Staff Development Committee and the PD participants in building a schoolwide consensus around the best use of the new professional development block.
Introduce professional learning to PD committees and school staff »
Design a professional learning program
The materials in "Envisioning Professional Learning: Starting With the End in Mind," created by the UFT Teacher Center, are intended for the use of the School-Based Staff Development Committee. They are guides to help the team envision a professional development program that starts with the end in mind — student achievement.
Download "Envision Professional Learning: Starting With the End in Mind" as a complete PDF »
See the five-part process for building a year-long professional development program »
Professional book study
One type of professional learning is a professional book study or book talk. A book study can be a powerful way for educators to drive their own learning. Teachers are involved in multiple sessions over time where there is continuous discussion around a relevant topic that has arisen from school data. These materials, developed by the UFT Teacher Center, include structures, norms, participant roles, planning templates and suggested protocols and activities for professional book study.
Download the UFT Teacher Center's guide to professional book study as a complete PDF »
Learn more about how to create and maintain a successful professional book study at your school »
Lesson study
Lesson Study is a standards-based collaborative process used to improve instruction. One of the goals of this instructional planning model is to identify academic achievement gaps and students’ challenges. Teachers will then examine and refine lessons that address these concerns.
Download the UFT Teacher Center's lesson study guide as a complete PDF »