ERIC Number: EJ1064920
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-0602
EISSN: N/A
Characteristics of Teachers as Change Agents
van der Heijden, H. R. M. A.; Geldens, J. J. M.; Beijaard, D.; Popeijus, H. L.
Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, v21 n6 p681-699 2015
Teachers play a key role in realizing successful changes in education. Among them are real "change agents" at both classroom and school level. To obtain insights into what characterizes these teachers, an exploratory study has been conducted by interviewing external experts, principals, and teachers (n = 20). An analysis of data resulted in a picture of characteristics attributed to teachers as change agents. These characteristics pertain to lifelong learning (being eager to learn and reflective), mastery (giving guidance, being accessible, positive, committed, trustful, and self-assured), entrepreneurship (being innovative and feeling responsible), and collaboration (being collegial). The category mastery appeared to consist of the most characteristics. Within the category entrepreneurship, "being innovative" was mentioned most. The characteristics mentioned apply to both the classroom and school level, but the importance of demonstrating these characteristics at the school level seems to be weighed less heavily by teachers than by experts and principals.
Descriptors: Teacher Role, Teacher Characteristics, Change Agents, Educational Change, Lifelong Learning, Entrepreneurship, Teacher Collaboration, Innovation, Specialists, Administrator Attitudes, Trust (Psychology), Self Esteem, Reflective Teaching, Elementary School Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Behavior, Foreign Countries, Structured Interviews, Qualitative Research
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Netherlands
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A