Teacher Professionalism in Local School Contexts

This study analyzes teacher professionalism as an outcome of collegial interaction in local schools contexts. Evidence from a multiyear study in 16 diverse high schools supports the argument that high school departments, schools, and districts play a role in supporting or undermining teacher professionalism--in particular, a shared technical culture, strong service ethic, and professional commitment. The data suggest that professionalism evolves within active, learning communities of teachers. However, evidence of tension between a strong service ethic and the technical culture that evolves within some high school departments calls for further research on tensions between these two standards of professionalism in teaching.