Teacher Inquiry: The Catalytic and Collaborative Role of a Canadian Teacher Union

• In Event: Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Research: Communities of Practice as a Tool for Teacher Empowerment

Abstract

This paper articulates the rationale for a teacher union’s support for teacher research within the context of current literature on teachers’ professional learning. It examines and share the perspectives of teachers involved both as facilitators of teacher research and as members of teacher research groups while linking the support for and evolution of teacher research to teachers’ professional autonomy. The paper also discusses the nature of systemic collaboration which supports teacher research involving the teacher union, universities and school districts. Linking teacher union Inquiry to the literature on Inquiry and professional learning has proven of considerable interest and utility, generating reflection and discourse. The teacher research projects have acted as a catalyst, fostering debate about professional development and building autonomy.

Author

• Charlie Naylor, British Columbia Teachers' Federation