Transformational Partnerships in a University-Based Science Teacher Professional Development Project

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Contemporary STEM Teacher Education

Abstract

This paper explores the transformational features of university-school partnerships in a project that provided advanced training to science teachers from at-risk schools in Colorado. Twelve teachers piloted the first of three new university science courses that would become the foundation for a Masters in Natural Science Education program. Using an exploratory case study, we deductively analyzed the extent to which our program met the desirable principles of transformational partnerships. In this proposal, we discuss how well our partnerships worked to develop a shared purpose. Our analysis highlighted the potential benefits of involving teacher participants in project development conversations. We put forward our analyses to inform the development of university teacher training programs that aim to serve the public good.

Authors

• Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, University of South Florida

• Donna Cooner, Colorado State University

• Cerissa Ann Stevenson, Colorado State University