The University Supervisor, edTPA, and the New Making of the Teacher

• In Event: 58.046 - Pedagogical and Organizational Practices for Preservice Teachers' Learning

Abstract

Two university supervisors examined the Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) and how it shaped the pedagogic relationships and decision-making processes of both students and themselves during the edTPA submission process. We drew upon Biesta’s (2009) notion that neoliberal accountability trades democratic relationships for consumer relationships and Attick and Boyles’ (in press) argument that edTPA resituates student teaching as a marketplace activity. Applying self-study methodology (Samaras & Freese, 2009), we documented our experiences supervising preservice teachers as they underwent the edTPA submission process. We found the assessment asserted control over our relationships with our candidates. As supervisors we became part of the transaction towards certification. Our candidates viewed us as arbitrators who could help them to fit the mold of edTPA.

Authors

• Martha K. Donovan, Georgia State University

• Susan Ophelia Cannon, Georgia State University