Teacher Leaders Constructing Identities as Facilitators of Teacher Peer Groups

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Support and Development of Teacher Leaders

Abstract

The use of teacher peer groups is a prevalent strategy for school-based professional development and instructional improvement. Facilitation of such groups is an increasingly vital dimension of teacher leadership as a component of school improvement. Preparation of teachers as facilitators has focused largely on technical skills and strategies for addressing challenges that arise during group meetings. This study investigates the experiences teacher leaders draw upon in constructing professional identities as facilitators, including personal experiences, professional experiences outside of teaching, and academic experiences. It proposes that the preparation of teacher leaders as facilitators reflect and exploit the complexity and multidimensionality of teachers’ individual identity development as facilitators.

Author

• David Allen, College of Staten Island - CUNY