Characteristics of STAR Secondary Social Studies Teachers: Relating Reality to Theory

Abstract

Teacher recruitment and retention are recurring topics of investigation. To clarify this topic at our own university, we conducted a study of 10 graduates previously selected as the stars, (i.e., outstanding, social studies student teachers in our program from 1994 to 2004). The following questions guided the study: Did they enter teaching, and did they remain? What, if any, are the characteristics they have in common and distinguish them as star teachers? Using qualitative processes involving guided interviews with the graduates as well as their supervisors, transcript analysis, triangulated data, and case analyses meetings, we were able to pose cogent answers to both questions, including nine characteristics related to content and pedagogical knowledge, as well as professional dispositions.

Citation

Neubert, G.A. and Binko, J.B. (2007), "Characteristics of STAR Secondary Social Studies Teachers: Relating Reality to Theory", Social Studies Research and Practice, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 358-366. https://doi.org/10.1108/SSRP-03-2007-B0004