TOOLKIT: Teacher Professional Development Systems
Overview
The University of Florida offers an innovative professional development program for educators through partnerships with educational, philanthropic and community‑based institutions to promote high quality teaching, increase school performance, develop educational leadership, secure parental engagement and mobilize communities in support of schools and children. Read more »
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Toolkit Videos
Lillie C. Evans Elementary
Video
Learn more about Teacher Leadership for School Improvement (TLSI) programs by virtually visiting Lillie C. Evans Elementary School in this video, where teachers have the opportunity to earn a Master's Degree while remaining in-service (video opens in new window).
Video: Lillie C. Evans Elementary Teachers
Featured Blog
Investing in Teachers, School Outcomes, and Children
by Alyson Adams
The Issue: A common theme we hear throughout the Learning Labs community is a lack of resources to support the higher learning of early childhood teachers and the need to retain outstanding teacher leaders. One innovative solution involves providing full scholarships to teachers seeking a master’s or specialist degree in education while simultaneously retaining teachers and building quality learning environments for…
Resources
The following links take you to documents related to Job Embedded Masters Programs.
University of Florida's JEM program brochure
JEM Brochure
The Lastinger Center for Learning
Read about the Teacher Leadership for School Improvement (TLSI) program at the University of Florida for Lastinger partner schools. The inquiry-based program focuses specifically on improving classroom outcomes by teaching new strategies and implementing them in the classroom, offering participants active participation in the learning community (pdf opens in new window).
Teacher Leadership Program
The Lastinger Center for Learning
This program addresses the unique needs of the practicing teacher/scholar to help individuals develop as leaders and learners. Designed to be job-embedded, the TLSI program connects the coursework and everyday work experiences so that participants are able to link theory to practice (pdf opens in new window).
Commissioned Report of Program Effectiveness
Commissioned Report of Program Effectiveness
The Lastinger Center for Learning
A report by Martin Merzer about how the innovative University of Florida graduate program focuses on developing and retaining master teachers. This comprehensive document gives a high level view of the various components of the TLSI program (pdf opens in new window).
Course Summary Chart
The Lastinger Center for Learning
The summary chart gives course descriptions and sequence overview for the TSLI program’s M.Ed and Ed.S degrees (pdf opens in new window).
Professor-in-Residence Role
The Lastinger Center for Learning
University faculty members are physically located in the partner school district to support the merging of graduate program coursework. The Professor-in-Residence role is the local advisor and mentor for the graduate students as they earn their degrees. Learn more about this program (pdf opens in new window).
Comparison of job-embedded program to traditional programs (chart)
Comparison of job-embedded program to traditional programs
The Lastinger Center for Learning
This chart compares the components of a traditional master degree program and the University of Florida’s Job-Embedded Masters Program for teachers. This information shows the unique differences of the TSLI program making it an innovative and successful job-embedded program (pdf opens in new window).
TLSI Frequently Asked Questions
TLSI Frequently Asked Questions
The Lastinger Center for Learning
Learn more about teacher professional development by reading the most frequently asked questions about the TLSI program (pdf opens in new window).
What You'll Learn
- What are the benefits of a successful job embedded masters program
- How universities can partner with school systems around the idea of in-service professional development
- What does the program curriculum consist of
- How does this type of professional development program increase the quality of early childhood education
Guiding Voice
Alyson Adams, Ph.D.
As the Program Director at the Lastinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida, Alyson leads a talented group of scholars and practitioners dedicated to improving teaching and learning across the US. When it comes to training and preparing early learning professionals, Alyson and her team are committed to providing the most innovative and collegial experiences that bring out the best in people.