Attributing Professional Development of Early Childhood Teachers for All Children in Shanghai

• In Event: 72.049 - Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: 72.049-2 - Teaching Experiences of Shanghai Teachers, Native English Teachers in Hong Kong, and Chinese Teachers in the United States

Abstract

Developing high-quality early childhood teachers can impact the educational quality and future of a country. Teacher professional development is a priority in Shanghai, which is one of reasons that Shanghai students outscored their peers on several international student assessments. Mainly through face-to-face interviews, this study explores the causes contributing to Shanghai teachers’ professional growth.
The research conducted is based on the analysis of the lived experiences of Shanghai early childhood teachers who we defined as “expert teacher” with top awards and recognition in China. Narrative analysis indicates that multiple resources existing within and around teachers help them develop teaching expertise.

Authors

• Haiping Hao, Xianda College of Economics & Humanities

• Patricia J. Larke, Texas A&M University