What Are We Doing Successfully? What Is Lacking? Stakeholders’ Experiences from Diverse Teacher Communities

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 9:45am
  In Poster Session: AERA Division K Section 6 In-Service Educators - Poster Session 1

Abstract

In the past decades, teacher communities (TCs) have increasingly developed in school contexts. However, studies on TCs in rural and disadvantaged areas are limited. This study contributes to the literature on teachers, coaches, and leaders’ experiences in TC’s in school districts with a high percentage of minority groups and diverse populations that are eligible for reduced/free lunch in the Southwest of the United States. Three themes emerged from document analysis and in-depth interviews, (a) collaboration to develop a culture of trust, (b) shared vision and goals to promote sustainability, (c) assessing TCs’ participation to promote students’ learning. This study contributes to understanding how to support these populations with research-based practices to engage in continuous professional development within TC meetings.

Authors

• Denisse Maribel Hinojosa, Texas Tech University

• Robert Luera Urrutia, Texas Tech University