ABSTRACT
Expert teachers have four kinds of knowledge: Pedagogical knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, knowledge of content, and knowledge of learners and learning. It’s not possible to develop the knowledge necessary in these areas to be an expert teacher in any teacher preparation program. To develop expert teachers in general, and expert teachers of writing, we must support legitimate professional development for teachers that enables them to develop all four kinds of knowledge. Research-based claims should always be critically examined and evaluated. No single research student in education conclusively proves anything. There are no one-size-fits-all programs that work best for all students. All research-based practices and evidence-based practices should be adopted and adapted to meet the needs of students. Research has demonstrated that the following six practices can be effective: First, write often and consistently; second, create a motivating writing community; third, creative a supportive writing environment; fourth, teach writing skills and strategies; fifth, connect writing to learning and reading; and sixth, use 21st-century writing tools.
