Teacher learning in a mathematics and science inquiry professional development program: first steps in emergent teacher leadership

Abstract

This study investigates the role of an inquiry professional development institute in empowering middle school mathematics and science teachers to develop as teacher leaders. Teachers and coaches jointly attended content sessions and participated in practice teaching sessions with students. The coaches led reflection sessions following the practice teaching sessions. Using stages 1 and 2 of the Principles and Indicators for Mathematics Education Leaders Leadership Framework modified to include science as a data analysis tool, data from 16 teachers informed the study. Results showed that after teachers completed the professional development, they grew as teacher leaders, with 11 and 14 teachers reaching Stage 2 Leadership in each leadership area, respectively.

Keywords:

• mathematics education
• science education
• teacher leadership
• inquiry learning

Additional information

Funding

Funding. This work was partially supported by a Math and Science Partnership Grant. The instructional practices and research discussed in this paper are not intended as an endorsement by the US Department of Education.