The Hierarchy of teacher professional development
A Framework for Differentiated Teacher Growth
Teachers are expected to meet students where they are and provide the instruction each student needs. Professional development should work the same way.
The HTPD gives school leaders a practical framework for identifying what each teacher needs next and providing the right support at the right time.
Every Teacher Needs Something Different
Schools often provide the same professional development to every teacher and then expect everyone to implement it in the same way.
But teachers do not begin in the same place.
Some teachers need support strengthening routines and procedures. Others are ready to deepen differentiation, increase rigor, or move students toward greater ownership of learning.
You cannot expect teachers to meet students where they are while giving every teacher the same support.
The Seven Levels of Teacher Growth
The HTPD organizes teacher development into seven levels. Each level builds on the practices that come before it and helps leaders identify where support will have the greatest impact.
- Positive Student Relationships and High Expectations
- Effective Routines and Procedures
- Content and Performance Standards: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
- Authentic Student Engagement
- Differentiated Instruction and Decisions Based on Data
- Rigor and Relevance
- Student-Directed Learning
The goal is not to label teachers. The goal is to identify what each teacher needs next and provide the support necessary to help that teacher grow.