...professional development were developed professionally?

Teachers are told early and often to differentiate their instruction to ensure all students are motivated and engaged. It does make sense - students enter classrooms with different background knowledge and need to be taught with that in mind.

But what about instructing the teachers? They definitely come with different background knowledge and, after all, we should most likely practice what we preach. Professional development should be useful and tailored to the needs of teachers so that they can be effective at what they do. Instead of having a large group all focused on the same mundane topic that has been beaten to death, give the teachers the opportunity to lead discussions with each other; allow them time to meet as a department; provide them with materials with which to plan lesson together. Give them something useful to do with their time so they feel like they are being considered too, just like their students should be.

Check out the report on professional development from the National Staff Development Council here: www.nsdc.org/stateproflearning.cfm.