Utilizing the Pedagogical Compass to Navigate Teacher Leadership and Advocacy

• In Event: 66.034 - Teacher Leaders: Agency, Advocacy, and Change

Abstract

Pedagogy encompasses more than decisions teachers make about what to teach and how to teach; it includes teacher identity, efficacy, and their advocacy and leadership roles. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how public school teachers make decisions to advocate for students in the current climate of increased accountability. Employing qualitative secondary analysis and narrative inquiry, the study found that much like a compass, a teacher’s pedagogy leads them to advocate for their own autonomy, their students’ well-being, their roles as leaders inside and outside of school, and for stronger relationships with community stakeholders.

Authors

• Shanedra Dilese Nowell, Oklahoma State University

• Sherry Lynn Been, Northeastern State University - Broken Arrow