Fundamental Features of Fostering Teacher Collective Efficacy: Principals' Characteristics, Attitudes, Common Practices, and Behaviors

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Teachers' Perceptions of Leadership and Change

Abstract

The authors of this study view the principal as a school-wide community organizer who is central in building teacher collective efficacy. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes, practices, and behaviors of principals who foster teacher collective efficacy. The study utilized a qualitative approach. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews of eighteen principals. The data from each interview was analyzed through analytic coding, and then examined in relation to all other interviews in a cross-case analysis. The results presented common practices and behaviors of principals in fostering collective efficacy, including collaboration, facilitative leadership, expectations, and capacity building. The insights gained from this study may help school administrators shape their practices.

Authors

• Suzanne H. Jones, Utah State University

• LeAnn G. Putney, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Shelley Nordick, Jordan School District