The creation of a broader, coherent, and consistent teacher development system ensures every teaching professional has the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to be effective in the classroom. An effective system of teacher development improves teaching quality, resulting in improved student outcomes.

How do you create a teacher development system that can provide an adequate supply of well-trained teachers, deliver those teachers to classrooms where they are needed most, and ensure that they continue to thrive as they mature in the profession?

This issue of CenterView, produced by the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning at WestEd, lays out a common definition of “high quality teaching” and advises policymakers on how to move toward an effective teacher development system.

Visit the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning at WestEd for more information about the Center and its publications.