52.080 - Teacher Research and Identity Work: Making Room for the Voices of Teachers

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The four studies in this symposium build on theories of identity as a process of learning. The research highlights four themes (agency, leadership, belonging, and collaboration) that emerged during a six-month qualitative study of teacher research professional learning communities at three schools. Each session includes teachers’ narratives about how research impacted his or her identity beyond the walls of their classrooms. After the presentations and discussant insights, we will engage in conversation based on these questions: Considering the four emerging identity themes presented, what are the next steps to translate teacher research into policy and what are the potential implications of this on classroom practice? What value does teacher research contribute to the broader educational research conversation?

Sub Unit

• SIG-Teacher as Researcher

Chair

• Joy Myers, James Madison University

Papers

• Collaboration and Teacher Research: A Closer Look at Discourse in a Professional Learning Community - Joy Myers, James Madison University; Helen Miller, Southeast Middle School; Andrea Stewart, Southeast Middle School

• Inquiry and Agency: How Teacher Research Shaped the Agentive Practices of Teachers - Amy Vetter, University of North Carolina - Greensboro; Kim Burke, Eastern Randolph High School

• Teacher Research Group as Powerful Discursive Space for Teacher Identity and Belonging - Beverly S. Faircloth, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Engaging Students in Teaching and Learning Discourses as a Result of Teacher Research - Claire Lambert, Salem College; Jill McClanahan

Discussant

• Megan Blumenreich, City College of New York - CUNY