The Impact of a Professional Development Program on Elementary Teachers’ Science Knowledge and Pedagogical Skills

Abstract

Teacher professional development plays an important role in a teacher’s growth and every year school districts spend a large portion of their budgets in professional development activities. However, as districts face increasing budget cuts, funds for professional development compete against other district priorities. As a result, partnerships between school districts and teacher training institutions can play an important role in supplying school districts with professional development activities to fit their teachers’ needs. This article describes a partnership between a school district and a local university to provide over 100 hours of professional development to 30 elementary school teachers. Results from the evaluation of the program indicate that the program had a significant impact on participating teachers’ perceptions of their science knowledge and pedagogical skills.