What Educators Want: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Educator Professional Needs During the Pandemic

• In Event: Division H Virtual Roundtable on Supporting Educators

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic suspended face-to-face instruction in schools around the globe, requiring schools and educators to begin teaching online with little to no time for professional development to aid them in the transition. This exploratory qualitative study sought to better understand the classroom, school, and district-level challenges K-12 educators were facing one year into the pandemic and examine their self-identified primary professional development needs. Focus group and interview data revealed that educators needed support integrating technology, supporting student and educator social-emotional learning needs, and establishing and nurturing inclusive communities. Participants also shared how the current political landscape impacted their areas of growth. The study generates new knowledge applicable to instructional design, instructional leadership, and educational research audiences.

Authors

• Callie Womble Edwards, North Carolina State University
  Presenting Author

• Keith Lindsay, North Carolina State University
  Presenting Author

• Cigdem Meral, North Carolina State University
  Presenting Author

• Kendall Hageman-Mays, North Carolina State University
  Presenting Author