The key aims of this case study are to understand the notion of teacher leadership and identify factors that impact the professional development of teacher leaders in a foreign language institute. As little empirical research exists on how EFL teacher leaders acquire leadership skills and learn about leadership roles, this study explores factors contributing to the professional learning and growth of EFL teacher leaders in the Saudi EFL context. The study is an interpretive one, using semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection instrument complemented by an open-ended questionnaire. The detailed accounts of 12 EFL teacher leaders indicate that ‘teacher leadership’ is a novel construct at the ELI where teacher leadership roles are positioned in the middle of the organisational hierarchy. EFL teachers in these middle-level leadership roles have titles such as head of professional development unit (PDU), head of academic coordination unit (ACU) and head of curriculum unit (CU). In spite of being a new concept at the ELI, leadership roles and responsibilities to a great extent share similarities with teacher leadership in western school contexts. However, teacher leaders encounter various challenges which are mainly due to the bureaucratic structures at the ELI. The data reveal lack of autonomy, inadequate professional support from the top management, and ineffectiveness of the existing professional development courses at the ELI. This study provides insights into factors which support EFL teacher leader professional development. There are five main elements: a) previous experiential learning, both formal and informal; b) leadership knowledge, skills and abilities which are brought to their current roles and further improved through collaborative practices; c) intrinsic motivation and personal urge to do more learning and leading; d) learning from being in leadership roles; and e) reflective practices at individual and group levels. Despite the concurrent difficulties and uncooperative workplace environment, the EFL teacher leaders managed to acquire role-related leadership skills while learning on the job. This thesis concludes by offering suggestions tailored to the professional development needs of teacher leaders in the EFL context, namely that top leadership should adopt flexible leadership approaches and that trainers should conduct more context-specific professional development courses on a regular basis. These supportive strategies should ensure sustainable professional development and raise the degree of professionalism among EFL teacher leaders at the ELI.

abstract: The purpose of this project was to research the effects of a professional development intervention designed to build local capacity for technology integration among teachers at the school level. This was done by providing focused face-to face and online training to twelve teachers referred to as the Technology Core Teacher (TCT) group. This project utilized the theoretical framework of social learning and communities of practice to provide an environment of ongoing support for technology integration. The findings addressed four areas: the TCT teachers' practice, their technology skill levels, the use of the online collaboration tools utilized for collaboration and virtual synchronous meetings, and whether the TCT teachers demonstrated signs of being a self sustainable community of practice. The findings demonstrate that the intervention had an influence on the participating teachers' practice and influenced the practice of other teachers as well. TCT teachers increased their skills when applying new learning with their students. TCT teachers used online collaboration tools minimally for communication, and synchronous meeting tools presented some difficulties. TCT teachers showed signs that they may be a sustainable Community of Practice. Although teachers reported that their technology skills increased, a pre-post survey of skills based on the ISTE NETS-T Assessment yielded lower confidence scores after the intervention. A follow up survey designed to explain these results indicated that teachers rated their skill set lower in light of more knowledge, indicating a possible paradox in self reporting of skills prior to awareness of technology based learning possibilities. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ed.D. Educational Administration and Supervision 2011

AN ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION OF JENNIFER JENSEN PRUSACZYK, for the Doctor of Philosophy degree CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION, presented on APRIL 7, 2011, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: EPISTEMOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS TO PRE K-8 TEACHERS' DESCRIPTIONS OF GOOD TEACHING, GOOD STUDENT BEHAVIOR, AND TEACHING FOR UNDERSTANDING: A MIXED METHODS STUDY MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. D. John McIntyre A mixed methods study design was used to investigate the relationship between elementary teachers' epistemology, as measured by the Learning Context Questionnaire (Griffith & Chapman, 1982) and teachers' descriptions of good teaching, good student behaviors, and teaching for understanding. Teachers' (N = 36) descriptions were collected after they had participated in a three-year professional development program designed to assist teachers in listening to and using students' thinking. The descriptions were open coded, following the recommendations of Corbin and Strauss (1990). Each set of descriptions was coded independently. Nine emergent themes support study request one: List three things a [Pre] K- 8 teacher should do to teach mathematics for understanding. Eight emergent themes support study request two: List three things a good mathematics teacher usually does. Six emergent themes support study request three: List three things a good mathematics student usually does. This study is not a study of practice, but rather a study of the language used to describe something of value and the relationship of that language with personal epistemology. Findings indicate that based on teachers' descriptions, 75% of the teachers exhibit an awareness of reform based teaching strategies, 61% of the teachers exhibit an intention to provide reform based learning opportunities while only 44% of the teachers exhibit reform based expectations of students. Based on this sample, little support for the connection between epistemology and teachers' descriptions emerged. Furthermore, this sample exhibited no connection between general epistemology and years of teaching experience. The observation that some teachers exhibit a higher Measure of Coherence is an unexpected finding of this study and provides a foundation for future research.

abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore and report on the impact of coaching as an embedded part of professional development has on teacher learning and practice in the context of educating English Language Learners (ELLs). A close examination was made of what teachers, coaches and principals believe to be effective professional development and how the relationship between a coach and teacher affects understanding of and classroom practice with a specific population of students. The research questions were (a) How can coaching support implementation of professional development goals over traditional development activities as reported by the teacher, coach and administrator? (b) What is the relationship between the coach and teacher? (c) How does the coaching process relate to self- reported coach and teacher knowledge of instruction and practice in the ELL context? I used a qualitative approach to gather data through classroom observations and in-depth interviews. The 17 participants came from Title 1 elementary schools with high ELL populations located in the central and west valley of Phoenix, Arizona. I analyzed the data deductively then coded and categorized participant responses in relation to the literature on professional development and coaching. The findings indicated that those involved perceived embedded coaching as an effective component of professional development. What I have now termed based on my study as Professional Development Praxis (PPD). They agreed that with a structured system of coaching in place, both teachers and coaches increased their knowledge of how to best instruct ELLs as well as enhanced their ability to put research-based strategies into classroom practice. The recommendation of this study is that districts, schools and professional developers provide training and support for educators in a meaningful, effective and student centered way. Professional development were educators are provided knowledge about ELLs, opportunities for practice of what they are learning in and out of training sessions and on-going collaboration and support as they work with their students. It is the job of everyone involved in the system to better prepare educators to meet the critical needs of students who come to school with specific linguistic and academic needs. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ed.D. Educational Administration and Supervision 2012

This two-phase grant proposal utilizes a group waitlist and single subjects multiple baseline design to evaluate In the Classroom with Brain Injury for Educators, which is a digitally applied online professional development series that can be used to increase knowledge, skills, and awareness of educators to provide effective school-based supports for students with brain injuries using cognitive behavior change theories. Phase 1 evaluates the series employing a group waitlist design with a delayed posttest. Phase 2 utilizes a single subjects multiple baseline design study to analyze student behavioral outcomes related to the intervention and change in teacher behavior. This project has impactful implications. The evaluation of the In the Classroom with Brain Injury for Educators series will establish an evidence base in support of the professional development series and fill the void that exists in available evidence based resources for educators working with students who have brain injuries. In addition, this evaluation has the potential to improve the school experience for both students with brain injury and their teachers by providing evidence that In the Classroom with Brain Injury for Educators is a professional development series that improves teacher and student behavioral outcomes.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:52:02Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 bueno_mcs_me_arafcl.pdf: 730813 bytes, checksum: c061f589371fc90a6313e93049a8ca03 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Sabendo-se que o processo de formação em serviço é um fator importante para o desenvolvimento de um corpo profissional melhor preparado, a pesquisa tem por objetivo identificar quais são os espaços de formação oferecidos para os profissionais dos centros de educação infantil, buscando entender de que forma esse trabalho tem sido realizado, através da metodologia, do conteúdo e da visão dos profissionais em relação as ações desenvolvidas. Utilizou-se para esta pesquisa alguns instrumentos metodológicos de abordagem qualitativa: observação e entrevistas Esses recursos foram utilizados com a finalidade de apreender as ações desenvolvidas nos espaços formativos e também compreender o modo como os profissionais concebem essas práticas. Dentre os espaços de formação oferecidos pela Secretaria Municipal de Educação aos profissionais dos Centros de Educação Infantil escolheu-se pesquisar: as Horas de Trabalho Pedagógico Coletivo oferecido às professoras e as auxiliares de desenvolvimento infantil e as Reuniões Pedagógicas oferecidas às babás. Vale ressaltar que o termo babá é uma denominação específica do local pesquisado. Foram entrevistadas seis coordenadoras dos Centros, seis auxiliares de desenvolvimento infantil, quatro professoras, doze babás, três coordenadoras pedagógicas e uma diretora de departamento de creche. O trabalho estruturou-se da seguinte forma: no primeiro capítulo foi feita uma exposição a respeito da educação infantil no contexto brasileiro e a influência da Constituição de 1988 , bem como das leis decorrentes para o campo. No segundo capítulo tratou-se da importância da formação dos profissionais da educação infantil, destacando a contribuição teórica de diversos autores. No terceiro capítulo, foi realizada a descrição da rede pesquisada, bem como a metodologia anunciada. No quarto capítulo... / It is known that the process of teacher development in service is an important factor to the professional life, this research has the goal to identify which are the opportunities offered to the professionals of the Centers of Children Education, and try to understand how this work has been done, through the methodology, the content and the point of view of the professionals about their actions. It was used for this research some methodological instruments with the qualitative approach : observation and interviews. Theses resources were used to learn the actions that were used to learn the actions that were developed in teachers reflections meetings and to try o understand how the professionals practice their believes. Among all the opportunities of development offered to the . Secretaria Municipal de Educação. to the professionals of the Center of Children Education was chosen to be researched : .the moments of the group pedagogy work., how it has been offered to the teachers and baby sitters. It is important to remember that .baby sitter. is an especific term used in the place where the research was realized. It was interviewed six coordinators of the Center, six auxiliars of children development, four teachers, twelve baby sitters, three pedagogy coordinators and one principal of the school departament. The work was organized by this way : in the first chapter was done an exposition about the Children Education in Brazilian context and the influence about 1988 constitution, as the laws about this area of study, too. In the second chapter was about the importance of the development of Children Education. In the third chapter was realized the description of the net of school researched and the announced methodology. In the fourth chapter was showed the identification of the development in groups, the contexts, and the strategies of... (Complete abstract, click electronic access below)

abstract: First-year alternatively certified teachers face significant challenges as they attempt to address the complexities of classroom teaching, particularly when they are assigned to teach in urban school settings. As the number of alternatively certified teachers continues to increase, it is important to provide them with professional development opportunities that address the challenges that they encounter in their first year of teaching. This action research study was conducted to examine a professional development model designed to support the development of a small group of first-year alternatively certified teachers in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College (MLFTC) at Arizona State University. As first-year teachers within the Induction, Masters, and Certification (InMAC) program, their professional learning needs were unique. They had an immediate need to effectively acquire knowledge and apply it in their teaching practice as they concurrently completed coursework to obtain their master's degree and certification while serving as the teacher of record. This study provided the opportunity for five first-year alternatively certified teachers to participate in a project that provided professional development to meet their specific needs. This two-pronged professional development model included two components: (a) a mentoring component provided by a recently retired master teacher, and (b) a learning community that included opportunities for observation, collaboration, and reflection with National Board Certified teachers. This study was designed to improve teaching practices and increase teaching self-efficacy among the first-year alternatively certified teacher participants. Results from the mixed-method study provided evidence that the model benefited the participants by improving their teaching practices and increasing their teaching self-efficacy. In the discussion, the importance of non-evaluative feedback provided by the mentors was emphasized. Further, highly developed interpersonal relationships, effective communication processes, and helpful collaborative procedures were useful in understanding how alternatively certified teachers benefited from mentor feedback and guidance. Finally, implications for future practice and further research were offered. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ed.D. Leadership and Innovation 2013

abstract: The purpose of professional development is to enhance educator practices so that students may achieve at high levels. Too often, professional development tends to be too broad, general, or unrelated to problems of practice that teachers face in their own classrooms. This action research project builds upon the scholarly research that recognizes the need for professional development to be sustained, connected to teachers' own contexts, focused on specific subject matter, collaborative, and reflective. The goal of this action research study was to facilitate a culture of continuous improvement in teaching and learning by utilizing a model of professional development that challenges teachers to question their practices, utilize research to support their instruction, design an inquiry project that supports a change in practice, and examine changes in student growth. Results suggest that although teachers recognize the complexities that surround professional development, they found that this professional development model focused on their needs as professionals, was sustained over time, and was supported by a variety of professional influences. As a result of the model implemented, teachers reported shifts in their instructional practices and student growth related to personal inquiry projects. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ed.D. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies 2013

abstract: The availability and subsequent expansion in the use of online learning environments has provided a new avenue for teacher professional development: blended learning. While blended learning environments may provide attractive benefits to teachers and school administration, the impact of blended teacher professional development has been largely unexamined in the existing research. This mixed-methods study investigated professional development outcomes for 64 teachers participating in district sponsored teaching professional development, 32 in a blended course and 32 in a face-to-face equivalent of the course. Outcomes of the professional development were measured using pre- and post- instructional belief surveys, participant satisfaction surveys, and interviews measuring retention of instructional beliefs and application of new instructional strategies. Additionally, participants who did not complete the course were interviewed to learn about their experience in the course and reasons for non-completion. The results of this study show similar changes in instructional beliefs for both the blended and face-to-face sections and significantly higher satisfaction with course content, materials, and instructor involvement among blended participants. However, blended participants were less likely to be transitioning to, or practicing new strategies as measured by interviews 12 weeks following course completion. A large number of blended participants showed evidence of their knowledge of new instructional strategies, but were reluctant to apply new strategies in their classrooms. Non-completers primarily cited lack of time for their withdrawal, but expressed an interest in future blended learning courses. The recommendations from this study should inform districts, schools, and teachers about blended learning for teacher professional development. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ed.D. Educational Administration and Supervision 2014

A formação do profissional do esporte no Brasil segue um modelo embasado na formação acadêmica, a partir da conclusão do curso de graduação em Educação Física e/ou Esporte. Embora seja uma formação com carga horária maior, em comparação aos modelos adotados no cenário internacional, observa-se que somente essa formação inicial não prepara o indivíduo adequadamente para sua atuação profissional. Nesse sentido, cabe ao indivíduo buscar ações específicas para seu desenvolvimento profissional especializado. Deste modo, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar as iniciativas realizadas pela Confederação Brasileira de Handebol para o aprimoramento profissional, e compará-las aos modelos internacionais desenvolvidos na Alemanha e Espanha, bem como ao Programa Nacional Canadense, pioneiro na área, e o Conselho Internacional para a Excelência em Coaching. Para tanto, foram analisados 11 documentos oficiais disponibilizados pela instituição. Os resultados mostraram que a Confederação Brasileira de Handebol buscou, em suas ações, uma aproximação com as Universidades a partir da organização de um evento intitulado \"Encontro Nacional de Professores de Handebol das Instituições de Ensino Superior Brasileiras\" que, além de possibilitar interações sociais entre os professores universitários, gerou também algumas propostas relevantes para o desenvolvimento do handebol, tais como: a criação de uma Escola Nacional de Árbitros e Treinadores, um curso de especialização, a edição de um livro e a criação de uma revista científica. Entretanto, muitas sugestões ainda se encontram na fase de planejamento e não foram implantadas. Por fim, foram sugeridos alguns ajustes à proposta de aprimoramento profissional dos treinadores, a partir da análise dos modelos internacionais de formação e aprimoramento profissional / The coach education in Brazil follows a model based on academic background, from the completion of the undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Sport. Although training with higher workload compared to the models adopted internationally, it is observed that only this initial training does not prepare adequately for the individual professional performance. In this sense, it is for the individual to seek specific actions for their specific professional development. The objective of this study was to analyze the initiatives undertaken by the Brazilian Handball Confederation for professional idevelopment and compare with international models developed in Germany and Spain, as well as the Canadian National Program, the pioneer in the area and the International Council for Coaching Excellence. For this, 11 official documents made available by the institution were analyzed. The results showed that the entity sought, in their actions, an approach with universities from organizing an event titled Brazilian\'s National Handball Teachers Meeting of Higher Education Institutions \"that in addition to enabling social interaction among academics, generated also some relevant to the development of handball proposals such as the creation of a National School of Referees and Coaches, a specialization course, editing a book to serve as a support and the creation of a scientific journal. However, many suggestions are still in the planning stages and have not been implemented. Finally, some adjustments to the proposal for professional development of coaches, from the analysis of international models of training and professional development were suggested