Self-study of a Professional Organization in Pursuit of a Shared Enterprise

Source: Studying Teacher Education, Volume 8, Issue 3, 2012, pages 303-320

The present study examines the work of the Self-Study of Teacher Education Practices special interest group of the American Educational Research Association from the perspectives of its members with a focus on its development, scholarship, mentorship, practice, and community, and with the major goal of informing its future work.
The nested multi-layered research design, framed in sociocultural theory, was enacted in collaboration with an internationally and multidisciplinary diverse group of members over a two-year period.

A five-phase research process entailed use of multiple data sources and methods, and researchers with multiple levels of analysis and interpretation. Findings indicate that a sense of community, a nexus of personal and professional development, and collective shaping and engagement are important components for growth despite challenges encountered.