Date Approved
6-5-2015
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Lee, Valarie
Subject(s)
Interns (Education); Teachers--Training of
Disciplines
Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration
Abstract
The following dissertation is a case study delving into the experiences of former interns who completed their clinical practice in a Professional Development School (PDS) and how their teacher preparation impacted their beliefs and practices during their initial in-service years as full-time teachers. The emphasis of this project were the perceptions of two Chelsea PDS former interns whom have successfully completed their internships and are engaged in full-time teaching as second and fourth year educators. Also central to the research agenda was an examination of the impact of the experience within a Professional Development School, based upon the Professional Development School Standards (NCATE, 2001). By investigating the perceptions of these teachers, this study provides insight into how the PDS clinical practice experience impacts the beliefs and practices of teachers. It was found that the experiences of the clinical interns during their clinical internship at a Professional Development School have a lasting impact on their current dispositions and practices once in the field, and contribute to their persistence as educators in the high-needs, urban characteristic context. The themes of leadership, learning community, and dedication were identified across the cases, as well as the importance of the role of the cooperating teacher. Implications of this research and areas for future research are also discussed.
Recommended Citation
McCarron, Lindsay, "Teachers' reflections on their professional development school clinical internship experience: a case study of novice teachers" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 307.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/307
