The Role of Self-efficacy in Paraeducators Career Decisions

ISBN-13: 9783639131789 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 176 str.

Elena Sandoval-Lucero

Opis

This study examined the career paths, work environments, educational experiences, family background, career plans, career, academic, and teacher, efficacy, as well as, demographic characteristics of paraeducators who became teachers and current paraeducators to explore whether self-efficacy plays a role in paraeducators career decisions. Paraeducators in this study who became teachers described work environments that provided mastery teaching experiences, were social role models, and verbal encouragement to advance their careers. Paraeducators who planned to remain in the paraeducator role spent more of their work day performing general clerical duties. They worked lesscollaboratively with teachers to deliver instruction.They also received less encouragement to becometeachers. The study has implications for two areas ofpractice. First, the quality of supervision ofparaeducators is important for their careerdevelopment. Second, the study also highlighted theneed to clearly define paraeducator roles andresponsibilities in ways that utilize their skills,abilities, and interests, and promote their careerdevelopment.

O autorze

Elena Sandoval-Lucero has over twenty years experience in higher
education serving in academic and administrative positions. Her
research interests include paraeducator career development,
educational opportunity and access, and effective supervision
practices. She earned her PhD in Educational Leadership and
Innovation.