WHAT DOES EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING MEAN TO TODAY’S TEACHERS?

Here is a good essay on what i plan to study in the future: Professional Development of teachers.

"Professional development is a phrase that's used within many careers, but it seems to hold special weight for the teaching community. PD can take many different forms, from expert-led workshops to professional learning communities to one-on-one instructional coaching to participation in Twitter chats.

When tailored to meet individual teachers' needs, PD can have an overwhelmingly positive impact on teacher satisfaction, student achievement, and school culture. However, when ill-conceived or delivered poorly, professional development can seem like nothing more than a frustrating requirement, and a waste of precious time.

How should districts, schools, and/or teachers themselves determine what professional learning is necessary? What is the best professional development you've experienced, and why? How has technology changed professional learning? What's your vision for professional learning—and how could schools change to achieve it?"

this is a kind of introduction. if you want to go further, pleas check the link below:

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_ahead/