Professional Development under ESSA

ESSA includes several references to educator involvement in developing and implementing professional development, both in bargaining and non-bargaining states. These provisions offer opportunities for educators to have input into teaching and learning conditions.

Title 1

Under Title I, local education agencies and those that serve any subgroup of underperforming students must develop and implement a comprehensive support and improvement plan for those schools. in “partnership” with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.

The law also sets forth the requirements for LEA Plans; they must develop LEA plans in “timely and meaningful consultation” with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.

Title I also require schools that serve a large population of low-income students with school-wide programs that upgrade the entire educational system and be developed with the “involvement” of teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.

Title II

Title II authorizes grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) and LEAs to increase student achievement, improve teachers and principal quality and effectiveness, and provide low- income and marginalized students greater access to effective teaching and learning.

Under Title II, LEAs are eligible for sub-grants, which may be used to support:

• Professional growth and career advancement for teachers and paraprofessionals.
• Training and professional development and improvement for teachers.

ESSA also establishes a Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program that authorizes comprehensive performance-based compensation systems for raising student achievement and closing the achievement gap. 

Resources

NEA Collective Bargaining & Member Advocacy Department (CBMA): CBMA has significant resources related to bargaining and advocating for educators’ professional development. For more information, contact CBMA at 202-822- 7080 or [email protected].

NEA’s Teacher Quality Department (TQ): Provides expertise in every critical component of the teacher development and learning continuum, from pre-service teacher preparation programs to advanced credentialing. For more information, contact the department at 202-822-7407.

NEA’s Education Support Professionals Quality Department (ESPQ): Provides policy guidance, professional development resources, and leadership training for ESP members. For more information, contact the department at 202-822-7131.