One often overlooked problem in schools today is bullying. Teacher professional development is one way to expose teachers to ways to combat bullying - there are many teacher professional development courses that can help to prevent this problem. Studies have shown that about one in three kids is the victim of bullying, which is far too many to be complacent about.

It has been said that being bullied builds character, but studies have shown that the opposite is true. Instead of growing a thicker skin, kids that are bullied, in fact, are at a much higher risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders than the bullies themselves (or kids that are not bullies, but don't get bullied either). There have even been laws passed in several states to prevent bullying because of the increasing number of bullying incidents and the severe consequences. Some kids have to change schools, some become depressed, and in the worst cases some commit suicide.

This problem does have a fairly simple solution - studies show that if just one bystander stands up to the bully, the bully will almost always stop within seconds. Not only that, but the bully stops for good. It is so important for teachers to learn how to empower their students to stand up for each other and this is where professional teacher development comes in. Teacher professional development is crucial in giving teachers the tools they need to prevent bullying and to pass those tools onto their students.

One way that teachers can help students deal with bullying is to ask them what makes them proud. Instilling self-confidence can help someone who has been bullied, but it can also make a student more likely to stand up for his or her peers. Again, the best solution to a bullying problem is for the bystanders to take action and confront the bully. When a group voices its disapproval, the bully is much less likely to continue. Effective teacher professional development courses will cover many other different methods and resources as well.

Interestingly enough, bullying is not unique to people. Many other animal groups exhibit bullying, especially other primates. Unfortunately in the animal kingdom the bully is often the leader of the pack; the bullies are rewarded for their bad behavior. We have a chance as compassionate people to realize that bullying is not right, and to stop it when it starts (or ideally before it starts). Our teachers should participate in professional teacher development that will give them applicable skills to deal with this problem in the classroom.

In summary, bullying is a major problem, but the solution starts with teacher professional development. Teacher professional development courses can give teachers the capacity to help their students prevent it. Empowering students is a major part of the best professional teacher development programs. Teaching students to stand up for their peers is helpful in school and in the classroom, but it is also helpful later on in life. These skills can help students prepare to make a difference in the world.