Envisioning Community: The Promise of Teacher Leadership for Career Sustainability
Date
2013
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Swarthmore College. Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology
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Thesis (B.A.)
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en_US
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Full copyright to this work is retained by the student author. It may only be used for non-commercial, research, and educational purposes. All other uses are restricted.
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Abstract
This thesis explores the sustainability of the teaching profession by examining teachers'
professional identities and goals and their work conditions. The author concludes that most
teachers, while committed to their classrooms, cannot remain teachers in public schools for many
years because there are too many structural conditions that compromise their morale and energy.
The author further explores teachers' visions for their careers - primarily opportunities for
professional community and collaboration and teacher leadership. Stronger professional
communities and more access and opportunities for teacher leadership in the realms of
curriculum development, professional development, assessment, and teacher evaluation will
benefit schools and student achievement. Implementing these visions of professional community
will also better prepare white teachers to serve the needs of minority students.