The Important Role of Generalists: Voices of Teacher Education Scholars From Research-Intensive Universities

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Analyzing the Work of Teacher Educators: Research, Supervision, and Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to understand the stories of “generalist” teacher education scholars in research-intensive universities. “Generalists” are teacher education scholars who do not situate themselves solely or primarily in a traditionally recognized discipline. Using in-depth interviews, the findings suggest that their birds-eye view and speciality in teacher learning is actually an asset in this era of increased clinical practice in teacher preparation even though their expertise is often positioned as a deficit within their institutions.

Authors

• Rebecca West Burns, University of North Florida

• Jennifer Jacobs, University of South Florida