Coordination among Stakeholders in Planning and Implementing Professional Development for Teachers: A Much-needed Element in Rural Pakistan

Given the importance of continuing Professional Development (PD) for teachers and the government’s lack of capacity, a number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have intervened in rural Pakistan to provide teachers with PD opportunities. This research explored the nature of coordination among the key stakeholders in planning and implementing PD opportunities for teachers. Using qualitative approach and focus group interviews, data were collected from teachers, school leaders, district education officials and representatives of PD providers. The findings indicated a lack of coordination among the relevant stakeholders in designing and delivery of PD programs. The lack of coordination not only results in overlapping programs and less effective use of existing resources but also leads to conflicting expectations from teachers. Drawing on the experience of the relevant stakeholders, this paper suggests a model of coordination to effectively design and implement PD programs for teachers in rural Pakistan.