Images of Rural Science and Mathematics Teacher Leadership: Influence of a Professional Development Program

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Contrasting Rural and Urban Teacher Leadership

Abstract

In this study, we present findings from the first year of a 5-year professional development program designed around a rural science and mathematics teacher framework that focuses on four areas of greatest need in rural areas: reducing teacher isolation, increasing instructional quality, increasing retention, and creating instructional leaders. Our investigation focuses on 20 secondary mathematics and science teachers and their images and enactment of teacher leadership within their rural schools. Our research findings revealed that our teachers focus their leadership skills on improving student learning and school effectiveness through peer mentoring, community involvement, and increased resource allocation. Changes in teacher leadership conceptions and teacher leadership themes will be presented to highlight images of rural teacher leadership in high-need US schools.

Authors

• Christine R. Lotter, University of South Carolina

• Jan A. Yow, University of South Carolina - Columbia