How can a school best ensure effective professional development for its leaders?

Focusing on professional development that is job-embedded and school-based is a highly effective approach because it connects learning directly to the work and context that school leaders experience daily. This means that the professional development is not just theoretical or detached from the realities of the school environment; instead, it is integrated into the school’s routines and practices.

When professional development is designed to be job-embedded, it allows leaders to apply new strategies and concepts in real-time, receiving immediate feedback and support from colleagues and mentors. This kind of professional development promotes collaboration and reflective practice among school leaders, enhancing their ability to lead effectively. It also helps to address the unique challenges and needs of the specific school community, which can lead to more meaningful and lasting improvements in leadership practices.

In contrast, approaches that focus on retaining effective teachers or limit professional development opportunities to experienced educators do not directly address the ongoing needs for growth and adaptation in leadership practices. Providing assessments only after professional development completion can miss the opportunity for formative feedback and real-time adjustments that could improve the outcomes of the learning experience. Therefore, job-embedded and school-based professional development is key to ensuring that school leaders continuously improve their skills in a practical and applicable manner.