Expertise in Every Classroom: Guidelines to Bridging Research and Practice

(Paperback)

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Expertise in every classroom should be the norm, not the exception. We have all had that magical teacher, who we remember years later. We remember how this teacher made us believe we could do anything. The mythical experts exist and have much to teach us in our quest to build a powerhouse education system. Unfortunately, forty years of research and over 25 years of reform models have led to few changes in the teaching profession and in the overall outcomes in education. Both national and international research demonstrates expertise in teaching can be clearly defined and developed. Countries around the world have successfully revamped their systems to develop and support expert teachers. While we grapple with failed value-added models and are beginning to understand linkage to single achievement test scores leaves out the impact teachers have upon the students, peers, and the culture as a whole.

We have erected barriers in the form of scripted curricula, overuse of testing, and failed professional development models. Yet some teachers overcome all the barriers and develop expertise. These teachers find avenues of development either in small pockets of peers or individually. While other countries are developing experts in mass numbers, the United States is creating such teachers in very, small pockets. Examining the thinking processes and practice of these teachers offers a glimpse into what we should desire in every classroom in every school.

This book bridges both research and practical elements. We believe expert teachers desire both. We often discuss the disconnect between research and practice. This book is intended to bridge both academic expectations and practitioner expectations. We believe the academic community must make research accessible and user-friendly to practitioners and practitioners should be at the forefront of research discussions. We must blend the ivory towers of academia with the daily work in our schools if we are to create world class systems. Expert teachers are both academic researchers and critical practitioners. Reform movements are showing little progress. We need to redefine the profession.

Reviews

Expertise in Every Classroom is a riveting in-depth examination of exceptional teachers, their attributes in implementation and dedication to impacting teaching and learning. These intense explorations into reflective practice and systematic thinking show an alignment into the five Core propositions developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Each chapter is more powerful than the next, intentionally dissecting and reflecting through a variety of approaches that methodically diagnose necessary pathways to ensure every student, every zip-code, no matter their circumstance is academically supported, challenged, safe and validated. -- Dolores Cormier-Zenon, NBCT, President Louisiana National Board Certified Teacher Network
This book answers the question of what makes a good teacher. This foundational look at expert teaching is well written and approachable. From the models presented to the examples used, this book should be owned by all educators. -- Chandler Smith, Chief Academic Officer, Central Community Schools, 2015 Milken Foundation Family Educator
Expertise in Every Classroom highlights inspiring stories and research focused on the passion and desire of educators striving to not only teach their students, but to change their lives. This research is a deep dive into what it takes to establish and maintain critical relationships and a guide to success for teachers and students. -- April Giddens, Assistant Professor, Northwestern State University, 2012 Louisiana Teacher of the Year

Author Bio

Amanda Shuford Mayeaux, EdD, NBCT, assistant professor in educational foundations and leadership at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, is a multinational award winning educator with a passion for developing expertise in educators at all levels. Her experience as an educator ranges from classroom teacher to leadership. Her research focuses on expert educators, professional learning, and organizational barriers to student success.



Dianne F. Olivier, PhD, professor in educational foundations and leadership at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has extensive experience as a teacher and administrator in K12 and higher education. Diannes expertise has been recognized at the university, national, and international levels in the area of professional learning communities. Her research also focuses on critical issues related to educational leadership.