Developing Professional Capital: Insights From an Elementary Education Liaison Group

• In Event: 61.051 - Professional Learning Communities for Teacher Development

Abstract

Teacher educators in one institution inquired into their work within a “community of practice” (Wenger, 1998) made up of faculty members who served as liaisons to elementary partner schools. This research focused on liaison experiences with/in the community of practice and how they influenced teacher educator professional development. Findings included an emphasis on “professional capital” (Hargreaves & Fullan, 2012), which led to individual, group, and systems change. Embracing shared attributes and diversities influenced the teacher educator capacity toward collective activity and influenced individual and program growth and development.

Authors

• Sherry Dismuke, Boise State University

• Jennifer L. Snow, Boise State University

• Susan D. Martin, Boise State University