Virtual Schools Looking To Branch Into PD For Virtual Teachers

Education Week (10/25, Quillen) reports that given a lack of focus on teaching virtual instructors at US schools of education, "it's perhaps not surprising that, as more instructors from brick-and-mortar schools are seeking professional development online, virtual schools are exploring how to become providers to teachers as well as students. 'I think, really, we're going to see us reaching out into more markets,' said Mary Mitchell, the director of professional learning at the 123,000-student Florida Virtual School, or FLVS, which is based in Orlando. ... So far, the bulk of the Florida Virtual School's experience offering professional development to instructors who also teach face to face has come through the school's franchise program."

 

In a separate article, Education Week (10/25, Quillen) explores the lack of such online PD programs at "even the most progressive schools of education."