The evidence is clear: effective teacher professional development (TPD) needs to include ongoing and individualized support to teachers to impact teachers’ instruction, and subsequently student learning.

Shanghai’s policies and investments have created a great teacher workforce that is supported by clear learning standards, regular and aligned assessments, and a balance of autonomy and accountability in school management. Today, we are speaking with Liang Xiaoyan and Zhang Minxuan, co-authors of the World Bank report “How Shanghai Does It” (https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/publication/how-shanghai-does-it ) to learn about the key features of the Shanghai education system that attract and develop an excellent teaching force. We discuss how lessons from the Shanghai experience can apply and be relevant to other countries around the world. Zhang Minxuan is a Professor and Former President of Shanghai Normal University and Head of UNESCO Teacher Education Center and Liang Xiaoyan is a Lead Education Specialist in East and Southern Africa for the World Bank Education Global Practice. Elaine Ding, Analyst in the Global Knowledge and Innovation unit of the World Bank’s Education Practice, moderates the conversation.