Teaching Teams in Residency-Based Teacher Preparation: When Learning to Teach Is a Collaborative Endeavor

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Facilitating Effective Collaboration in Partnerships

Abstract

This mixed methods study examines a collaborative team teaching arrangement for K-8 field placements within a residency-based teacher preparation program. When two or more candidates are placed in a mentor teacher’s classroom, participants experience not only multiple forms of teaching, but also shared problem-solving, decision-making and planning. Themes from survey and interview data suggest that for these teaching teams, collaboration is the norm of professional practice and candidates are exposed to a broad array of teaching responsibilities. However, there are tensions and tradeoffs in time, candidate transitions and considerations of solo teaching. Novice teachers trained in collaborative settings hold the promise not simply of an alternative way to prepare teachers, but also prompt a more collaborative ethic in schools

Authors

• Ana M. Elfers, University of Washington

• Margaret L. Plecki, University of Washington

• Corrine McGuigan, Heritage University, Toppenish, Washington