Abstract:

Abstract This study aims to examine views of teachers and administrators of a Science and Art Center (SAC) in the city of Ordu, about professional development and school improvement. Study was designed in qualitative approach and phenomenography is used as the method for data collection purposes. Study was carried out during the spring semester of 2010-2011 academic years. Study group consists of 3 administrators and 17 teachers with a total of 20 participants who work in a SEC. Semi-structured interviews used as the main source of data collection. The data obtained were analyzed through "constant comparison method". Findings were presented in table and concept map forms and were supported with quotations from interview conversations. According to the findings the majority of the participants find centrally and locally offered professional development opportunities inadequate. It was concluded that teacher professional development lies at the heart of school improvement. At the end of the study, it was suggested that inter-disciplinary studies in relation to improvement of SAC's and its teachers should be carried out and it is recommended that professional development opportunities should be considered in different format in SAC's various activities should be offered to in order to encourage administrators and teachers of SAC's. Key Words: Teacher professional development, school improvement, phenomenography, science and art center.

Keywords: