Issues of Teaming in Early Childhood Classrooms

• In Event: 72.065 - Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: 72.065-12 - Issues in Early Childhood Teacher Training and Practice

Abstract

Teacher quality and the ability of teachers to work at an optimum level play a central role in the success of early childhood education. The working relationship between a lead and assistant teacher can have a significant impact on their work. There is, however, very little research examining these relationships. Interview and observation data were collected in two Head Start classrooms and analyzed to identify recurring patterns and themes. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the issues faced by lead and assistant teachers in a preschool as they each negotiated their roles and position in the classroom during one school year. Policy and practice implications will also be discussed.

Authors

• Esther E Marshall, Brigham Young University-Provo

• Kendra Hall-Kenyon, Brigham Young University