Teacher networks: From a catalyst for enactment of professional development to a source of professional development

Abstract

Thirteen years after the publication of the book Social Network Theory and Educational Change, what can we say about the evolution of research connecting social network theory and analysis with teacher professional development? In this evolution, we can witness a conceptual shift in the literature connecting teacher professional development with social network theory and analysis that is important to highlight and discuss. While before 2010 teacher networks were mostly perceived as a force enacting external initiatives for teacher professional development, this perspective evolved to a perception of teacher networks as a source of professional development in themselves. This paper discusses this conceptual evolution, its consequences for the literature, and implications for future research connecting teacher professional development with social network theory and analysis.