The Professional Interactions and Networks of Co-Teaching Music Educators

• In Event: Perspectives in Music Education

Abstract

Research on professional learning and social networks among music educators points to the importance of closely-situated colleagues. However, the co-teaching dyad has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the co-teaching relationship among two secondary instrumental music teachers and to understand the relationship of co-teaching with teachers’ professional networks. Research questions were: (a) How do co-teaching instrumental music educators interact around instructional issues? (b) How do co-teaching music teachers interact around administrative issues (e.g., micropolitics, resources)? (c) How does the co-teaching arrangement impact the teachers’ professional networks? Findings suggested that co-teachers with a clear difference in experience often function as a mentor/mentee dyad. However, interpersonal trust helped to privilege novice teacher expertise in some situations.

Author

• Ryan David Shaw, Michigan State University