Deploying Dispositional Measures to Better Understand Characteristics of In-Service Urban Teachers

• In Event: Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Division K Section 3 Poster Session 1

Abstract

Our nation’s urban schools continue to struggle to recruit and support teachers who persist and are effective. We present a longitudinal study investigating dispositions of ISU alumni currently teaching in a large, urban school district with a highly diverse and highly impoverished student population. Through quantitative and qualitative protocols, these teachers’ dispositions towards their teaching work were examined (Haberman, 2004). Through online surveys, in-person interviews, and in-school observations, factors were identified that may be indicative of successful, committed urban teachers. Analysis included primary and secondary qualitative coding, and three significant themes were identified (Hill, et al., 1997). Based upon these findings, we provide recommendations for urban schools in using dispositional data to identify and support teachers for persistence and effectiveness.

Authors

• Nicholas Daniel Hartlep, Illinois State University

• Christopher Michael Hansen, Illinois State University

• Grant B. Morgan, Baylor University