ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book highlights the need to support teachers' pedagogical content knowledge through professional learning. It sets the stage for applying growth mindset thinking when engaging in any professional learning opportunities, which is an especially helpful strategy when teachers expand content knowledge in areas with which they may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable. The book takes the reader from the growth mindset to considering systemic and people-focused change at the school level from an administrator's perspective. It discusses the need for training to include significant content related to the necessary differentiation of literacy education for gifted and talented students. The book focuses on professional learning for teachers in K–12 as it relates to instruction in this discipline. It explores foreign language education and professional learning for teachers of advanced language learners.
