Self-study of a Professional Organization in Pursuit of a Shared Enterprise

Abstract

This study examines the work of the Self-Study of Teacher Education Practices special interest group of the American Educational Research Association from the perspectives of its members with a focus on its development, scholarship, mentorship, practice, and community, and with the major goal of informing its future work. The nested multi-layered research design, framed in sociocultural theory, was enacted in collaboration with an internationally and multidisciplinary diverse group of members over a two-year period. A five-phase research process entailed use of multiple data sources and methods, and researchers with multiple levels of analysis and interpretation. Findings indicate that a sense of community, a nexus of personal and professional development, and collective shaping and engagement are important components for growth despite challenges encountered. The study may be useful to other professional organizations interested in self-review and the sustainability of their organization.

Keywords:

• professional development
• self-study methodology
• teacher educators
• sociocultural theory
• professional organization review

Acknowledgements

This study would not have been possible without the participation of S-STEP members; we extend our gratitude to each and every one of them. We thank Rick Reo for support in launching the survey and the Dean's Office of the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University for sponsorship of a graduate research assistant who became a co-researcher. We especially appreciate that our research was supported by our universities.