Exemplary Teacher Voices ON THEIR OWN DEVELOPMENT.

The article discusses three factors that are believed to contribute to a teacher's effectiveness, including teacher development, teacher autonomy, and support. A study was conducted that polled successful fourth-grade teachers about what they feel to be the factors that helped them to excel. The benefits of professional development for teachers include learning about teaching methods that they can incorporate into their classroom practices. Also noted is the importance of peer support or teacher collaboration for improving teachers' practices. The benefits of engaged autonomy or freedom of teaching are also explored.