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