On an Island: First-Year Middle-Grades Teachers Building Relationship During Their Induction Year

• In Event: 72.048 - Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: 72.048-7 - Teachers as Community Members: Engagement Practices in and out of Schools

Abstract

Effective induction programs attempt to support teachers through building relationships with peer or mentor teachers and with the community (Ingersoll, 2012). At the core of specialized middle level teacher preparation programs and the middle level model is the importance of building realtionships with peers, students, and the community. However, few studies have examined how beginning middle grades teachers develop these relationships. This multi-site, multi-case study examined how six beginning middle grades teachers developed relationships during their induction year. Findings suggest teachers has difficulty forming relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. In particular, beginning teachers wanted to develop relationships with other first year teachers for collegial and academic support. Implications are discussed.

Authors

• Michael DiCicco, Northern Kentucky University

• Shawn A. Faulkner, Northern Kentucky University

• Chris Cook, Appalachian State University