The Need for Rehearsal in Professional Development

Professional development (PD) should incorporate rehearsal to enhance teacher learning and effectiveness. Rehearsal allows teachers to practice what they learn in a real context, rather than relying solely on theoretical understanding. For example, during PD sessions, facilitators can model a lesson, followed by opportunities for teachers to replicate this learning through scripted tasks that mirror their actual teaching scenarios. This approach not only builds familiarity but also ensures that teachers can confidently implement strategies in their classrooms.