This Is My Department: Building Deep Professional Collaborations at a Distance for Rural Science Teachers

• In Event: Leadership, Collaboration, and Professional Identity in Rural Teaching

Abstract

This study investigated the formation and expansion of professional networks for collaboration, advice, and friendship among rural science teachers. A subset of these teachers participated in a year-long professional development program using a novel model called technology-mediated lesson study to collaboratively write and implement lesson plans aligned with new state science standards. Survey data were analyzed by social network analysis and qualitative analysis was performed on interview data. Participants’ networks expanded significantly beyond those of non-participants, and beyond what was predicted by the structure of the program. Teachers formed deep, rich collaborations and described both instrumental and expressive ties with their new colleagues. This demonstrates the impact of technology and super-organizational collaboration for powerful professional learning.

Authors

• Rebecca Sansom, Texas A&M University

• Tracy Poulsen, Brigham Young University

• Heather Leary, Brigham Young University

• Max L. Longhurst, Utah State University

• Josh Stowers, Brigham Young University