Expertise Development of Top-10 Early Childhood Teachers in Shanghai

• In Event: 52.045 - Instructor Perspectives and Experiences Regarding Education in the Professions

Abstract

China’s principal concern for ensuring educational quality has generated an emphasis on teacher development efforts. As China’s largest city, changes made in Shanghai have far-reaching effects throughout the entire nation. Through naturalistic inquiry, this study explored the meaning of teaching expertise, and the process by which early childhood teachers in Shanghai evolve from novices to experts.
Data analysis yielded a model of six consistent and interrelated themes with each evoking a central phenomenon, professional engagement. This multi-dimensional concept is critical to teachers’ growth as vigorous, dedicated and fulfilled experts. Teacher expertise increases gradually with every step of their careers. This study found distinctive career trajectories of expert teachers--eight stepping-stones with threes role transitions and basic strategies.

Authors

• Haiping Hao, Texas A&M University

• Patricia J. Larke, Texas A&M University