Many current problems in teacher supervision arise from epistemological errors. Research-based models wrongly assume that supervision is a deterministic process. Therefore, the theoretical perspective should be rejected in favor of a practical one, which would emphasize "reflection-in-action" directed toward specific real problems. (MCG)

Responding to Blumberg's and Bolin's articles, this article claims that a viable scholarship of practice for supervision has already emerged. The key to present-day theorizing is figuring out how the reflection-in-action process unfolds and how to inform it. Recent research suggests that the heart of professional practice is knowing in action.…

Argues that knowledge generation and model building in supervision and teaching are mistakenly patterned after the physical sciences instead of the cultural sciences. Also, this mimicry is too simplistic by physical sciences standards. Metaphorical models of research and practice would enhance educators' understanding of reality. Includes 31…

Although both professionalism and leadership are prescribed as cures for school problems, the two concepts are antithetical. The more professionalism is emphasized, the less leadership is needed. Teachers become more committed and self-managing when schools become true communities, freeing principals from the burden of trying to control people.…

Defines and discusses the extremes of "poetism" (or overreliance on intuition) and "scientism" (overreliance on research-based models) in teaching and supervision. Argues that teaching is neither an art nor a science, but more like a craft that skilled teachers practice as artisans, combining technique and reflection. (TE)