New Teachers' Perceptions of Teacher Leaders: Trust in the Educational Setting

• In Event: Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Leader Learning Needs

Abstract

New teachers’ perceptions of their teacher leaders are explored through the lens of trust and teacher leadership skills, knowledge and disposition. The preliminary results indicate that new teachers in one New England school district found informal teacher leaders to possess the necessary skills, knowledge and dispositions necessary to trust them. However, new teachers lacked trust in their formal teacher leaders. This study will prove to be beneficial to educational policy makers before they pour monies into new teacher programs. Additionally, the results will support educational leaders in the effort to develop supportive and nurturing environments in which new teachers can learn from their colleagues as they flourish and grow.

Author

• Michelle Davignon, Southern New Hampshire University