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Degree

Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership), Youngstown State University, Department of Educational Administration, Research and Foundations, 1998.

Abstract

The professional development of teachers is a critical component of educational reform. Teachers who serve in leadership positions can actively participate in their own professional development and facilitate the professional growth of their colleagues. This study investigated the impact of a teacher leader program in mathematics in elementary schools in selected sites in Northeastern Ohio. It examined aspects of the professional development sessions for teacher leaders and the ways in which the learning that occurred at the sessions was shared with teacher colleagues. Data were collected through semistructured interviews of teacher leaders, selected teacher colleagues, and the building administrator at the three school sites. Interview data were autiotaped and transcribed. In addition, observations of a mathematics lesson of the teacher leaders and teacher colleagues were conducted to validate the interviews. The data sources were triangulated during the data analysis. The findings indicated the teacher leader program had a positive impact on the professional development of teacher leaders and teacher colleagues. The three groups of subjects interviewed described the role of the teacher leader consistently. Changes in mathematics instruction to better align with the NCTM (1989) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics were reported by all teacher leaders as a result of the professional development sessions. The instructional practices of teacher colleagues also reflected change, but to a lesser extent. Teacher leaders, teacher colleagues, and building administrators agreed communication increased at the building level. The study concluded, overall, the teacher leader program had a positive impact on the professional development of teachers.

Keywords

professional development; teachers education; continuing education

Advisor

Robert J. Beebe

Pages

ix, 178 p.

Document number: ysu996671255
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu996671255

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