A study of the lived experience of two teacher-leaders in a middle school science reform project
Abstract
This study, through the theoretical perspective of hermeneutic phenomenology, examines the lived experiences of two science teacher-leaders engaged in a national curriculum reform project and focuses on what makes work meaningful. In their school districts, these teachers led the development of Science/Technology/Society curriculum under the aegis of the National Science Teachers Association Scope, Sequence, and Coordination Project. I conducted in-depth interviews with the participants to uncover their stories. My interpretation of their stories of being challenged, being valued, and being a leader, enabled me to construct an understanding of the experience of finding the meaningfulness of work. The structure of this experience has two elements: making personal connections between pivotal lived experiences and decisions regarding how to teach; and publicly sharing the meaningfulness of these connections. The act of sharing this meaningfulness with colleagues is the first imperative step of becoming a teacher-leader. As the value of these personal connections resonate within the life of each colleague, the teacher-leader's actions are perceived as meaningful. This study has implications for those who plan and implement preservice teaching experiences, collaborate with science educators involved in science education reform, and design activities that recognize students' constructions as valuable and integral to teaching. Moreover, this study has implications for teachers who wish to develop a stronger and clearer voice in the politics of schooling. Making a connection with what is meaningful in work provides a basis for all professional decisions, many of which have previously been inaccessible to teachers. If teachers lay claim to a territory they can call home, then no one will be wondering how to help them have a say. On the contrary, teachers will speak loudly and clearly.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Kyle, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Science education|Curricula|Teaching
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