Applying Institutional Theory to Understand Changes in Teaching as a Profession and Practice

• In Event: 35.081 - Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: 35.081-6 - The Habits of Teaching and Teacher Work: Institutional Theory, Transformation Models, and the Politics of Technology in Teaching Practice

Abstract

This conceptual paper uses institutional theory (IT) to analyze changes to teaching promulgated by major reforms related to alternative teacher certification, charter schools, and teacher evaluation. We demonstrate how IT can advance our understanding of changes in teaching and teachers’ work. IT focuses attention on the logics and coupling inherent in these three types of policies and thus illuminates important aspects of changes in teaching as both profession and practice. Finally, we explore implications for research, teacher education, and practice.

Authors

• Sarah L. Woulfin, University of Connecticut

• Morgaen L. Donaldson, University of Connecticut

• Dorothea M. Anagnostopoulos, The University of Connecticut