Teacher Collaboration for Professional Learning: Facilitating Study, Research, and Inquiry Communities

Foreword by Janice F. Almasi.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

The Authors.

The Contributors.

PART 1 Why Support Collaborative Research?

Chapter 1 Improving Teacher Professional Learning.

Chapter 2 Initiating Educational Improvements.

PART 2 Building a Professional Learning Community.

Chapter 3 Understanding the Inquiry Process.

Chapter 4 Getting Started.

Chapter 5 Staying Productive.

PART 3 Collaborating Effectively.

Chapter 6 Ethical Considerations: Improving Group Dynamics.

Chapter 7 Leadership Strategies for Collaborative Support Groups.

PART 4 Model Learning Communities in Action.

Chapter 8 School-Based and Partnership Communities.

Chapter 9 Networking and Online Collaborations.

Chapter 10 A Districtwide Model: The Fairfax County Public Schools Teacher Researcher Network, Contributed by Gail V. Ritchie.

Epilogue: Supporting and Sustaining Professional Collaboration.

APPENDIXES.

Appendix A Tools and Templates.

Stage 1: Getting to Know Invited Members.

Brainstorming Chart: Whom to Invite to the Group.

Stage 2: Sharing Perspectives and Talents.

Tentative Agenda for Meetings.

Meeting Minutes.

Roles Signup Sheet.

Stage 3: Supporting Each Other’s Efforts and Learning.

Stage 4: Exploring the Possibilities.

Ongoing Group Evaluation.

Final Reflections.

Stage 5: Ongoing Conversations.

Appendix B Reflection Questions.

Appendix C Study Group Exercises.

Appendix D Valuable Resources.

Appendix E Teacher Research Survey.

References.

Index.