This book is a step-by-step guide for teachers interested in collaborating with their peers to promote their mutual professional development. The book integrates the principles of self-directed learning, cooperative learning, and critical reflection into a system in which teachers coach one another and collaborate in action research as the primary method to refine the practice of their teaching. Chapter 1 reviews established approaches to professional development and the benefits of collaborative professional development. Chapter 2 details the following steps in outlining a collaborative professional development program: (1) use a teaching portfolio to identify professional development goals; (2) write a learning plan to attain selected goals; (3) establish a collaborative arrangement with a peer; (4) refine the learning plans; (5) consult the administration; (6) implement the learning plans; (7) serve as a coach and/or co-researcher; (8) revise the teaching portfolio to reflect accomplishments; and (9) repeat steps 1-8 as desired. Chapters 3-9 discuss the following topics: (1) identifying professional development goals; (2) establishing a collaborative relationship; (3) planning coaching activities ; (4) using four methods to observe teaching; (5) conducting coaching conferences; (6) conducting action research; and (7) nurturing and closing a collaborative relationship. (Contains 52 references.) (MN)