In the continuing global call for educational reforms and change, the contributors in this edited collection address the critical issue of teacher learning from diverse national contexts and perspectives. They define "teacher learning that matters" as it shapes and directs pedagogical practices with the goal of improving student learning. Student achievement is broadly and inclusively defined, beyond the test scores so often identified as the mark of "success" in the research literature. This book weaves together major studies, research findings and theoretical orientations to represent a globalized network of inquiries into the what, how and why of teacher learning that shapes teacher skill and knowledge. Teacher learning matters on an international scale because teachers are the portals through which any initiative for change and reform is realized. Recognizing that a highly skilled teaching force is instrumental to improving student achievement adds import to generating interactive dialogue on teacher learning around the globe.

In the continuing global call for educational reforms and change, the contributors in this edited collection address the critical issue of teacher learning from diverse national contexts and perspectives. They define "teacher learning that matters" as it shapes and directs pedagogical practices with the goal of improving student learning. Student achievement is broadly and inclusively defined, beyond the test scores so often identified as the mark of "success" in the research literature. This book weaves together major studies, research findings and theoretical orientations to represent a globalized network of inquiries into the what, how and why of teacher learning that shapes teacher skill and knowledge. Teacher learning matters on an international scale because teachers are the portals through which any initiative for change and reform is realized. Recognizing that a highly skilled teaching force is instrumental to improving student achievement adds import to generating interactive dialogue on teacher learning around the globe.

This book examines questions in the intersections of narrative, teaching, communities of learning, knowledge, women teachers and teacher development. Stories constitute the heart of this book and the glue that holds the pieces together. This book explores the ways women educators understand and make sense of their lives and develop their personal practical knowledge of teaching through narrative texts and experiences in informal learning groups.

"Mary Kooya (TM)s Telling Stories in Book Clubs gives us a compelling, provocative, and insightful picture of teachers reading, talking, and learning together. By weaving together the responses of the novice teachersa (TM) book club, the experienced teachersa (TM) book club, and her own thoughtful analyses, Kooy has documented what teacher learning looks like from the inside. This book is a must read for all those interested in professional development across the lifespan."
Marilyn Cochran-Smith, Boston College

"Kooya (TM)s narrative about book clubs as learning communities makes a significant contribution to both research and practice. Tying together reading, teaching and learning, the book gives us a superb example of how to nurture the intellectual and relational needs for continuous teacher growth and development. The book is a must for teachers, researchers and policymakers!"
Ann Lieberman, emeritus professor from Teachers College, Columbia University and Senior Scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

"Mary Kooy is a gifted writer and teacher. She takes the obvious truth that we read books with other people and turns it into a compelling work of professional development. We see the communities emerge and coalesce. We see the self-reflective questioning that is at the heart of all good teaching take shape through interaction and nurturing."
From the Foreword by Jo Anne Pagano, Colgate University

The international collection of essays contained in this volume offer a comprehensive look at how small groups are being employed in the field of education today and the purposes for which they are being used. Where teaching is concerned, readers of this volume come to know how teachers experience professional development in book clubs, Critical Friends Groups, and teacher research groups and how action research has been used by teachers in a particular curriculum reform project. Where teacher education is concerned, readers are afforded an insider view of what is happening in various cohorts and other small group configurations throughout the nation and the world, particularly with respect to diversity. Finally, readers catch a glimpse of what is occurring in higher education and how professors learn to be teacher educators, contributing members of the academy, and collaborative colleagues in their efforts to support and enhance student learning along the educational continuum.

The international collection of essays contained in this volume offer a comprehensive look at how small groups are being employed in the field of education today and the purposes for which they are being used. Where teaching is concerned, readers of this volume come to know how teachers experience professional development in book clubs, Critical Friends Groups, and teacher research groups and how action research has been used by teachers in a particular curriculum reform project. Where teacher education is concerned, readers are afforded an insider view of what is happening in various cohorts and other small group configurations throughout the nation and the world, particularly with respect to diversity. Finally, readers catch a glimpse of what is occurring in higher education and how professors learn to be teacher educators, contributing members of the academy, and collaborative colleagues in their efforts to support and enhance student learning along the educational continuum.