Collaboration Among Faculty and Clinical Supervisors in an Urban Educator Preparation Program

• In Event: Partnership Matters: An Action-Based Approach to Developing and Maintaining Authentic University-School Partnerships

Abstract

This study examined the obstacles that impede effective collaboration between faculty and clinical coaches in implementing clinical teacher preparation programs. This mixed-method case study’s data was collected using a survey and focus group interviews with twenty-nine faculty and clinical coaches. The findings from the study suggest that the collaboration between faculty and clinical coaches is impeded by 1.) limited knowledge about the scope and sequence of the coursework and 2.) a lack of policies/procedures on communication. This study can aid in enhancing collaboration and refining the design of teacher preparation programs to meet the needs of aspiring teachers better. Additionally, this research contributes to the literature on collaborative teacher training approaches for a better clinical experience.

Authors

• Ashwini Tiwari, University of Houston - Downtown

• Eve Zehavi, University of Houston - Downtown