Date of Award
Summer 7-28-2017
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership (Ed.D)
Department
Educational Leadership
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Laurie Brantley-Dias
Committee Chair
Dr. Julia Fuller
Second Committee Member
Dr. Toni Strieker
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine what happens when a peer coaching with collaborative inquiry model is implemented with novice teachers. The goals of the study include examining the peer coaching process as described by teachers, and understanding the relationships between novice teachers and their peer coaches based on the novice teachers’ perspectives. This study employs a qualitative case study methodology, in which the group of novice teachers represents the case bounded by the peer coaching process. The study uses individual interviews, a focus group interview, and teachers’ written reflections with 11 participants to address the research questions. Results showed that peer coaching for novice teachers can be an effective way to support novice teachers. Novices, however, must be given time for professional dialogue and paired with a coach with whom they are compatible. Given these conditions, novices use peer coaching for improving and reflecting on their practice.