Professional Culture and Professional Development in Jewish Schools: Teachers' Perceptions and Experiences

In this article, we report a study of professional culture and professional
\ndevelopment in Jewish schools based on surveys of teachers
\nand other staff and interviews with principals. We first introduce
\nthree key constructs: professional culture, professional development,
\nand professional learning communities. We then describe research
\nthat has identified features of each that support teacher learning.
\nWith this background in mind, we compare the current realities in
\nJewish schools as gleaned through the survey with typical public
\nschools and with the features of schools identified in the literature
\nas supportive of teacher learning and collegiality. Finally, we suggest
\nthe next steps that might be taken to improve Jewish schools as
\nsettings in which teacher growth and learning flourish.