Research on the Professional Activities of American National Teacher of the Year—Based on the Interviews of 6 National Teachers of the Year
This paper analyzes the in-depth interview materials of 6 National Teachers of the Year from 2018 to 2023 taken by the Commission of Chief Education Officers of the United States with the method of content analysis,and conducts studies on professional activities of the National Teachers of the Year at three levels:classroom teaching,school or school district,and society.It is found that:American National Teachers of the Year come from all sections of basic education,and are more likely from low-performing schools or institutions in weak school districts;The evaluation of National Teacher of the Year focuses on their professional performance at three levels of equal importance(i.e.classroom teaching,school or school district,and society);Their professional activities embody several common characteristics,such as promoting the connection between education and students'real life,reflecting the deep care for disadvantaged students,and committing to solving social problems and taking social responsibilities.Finally,this paper submits several suggestions to improve the evaluation mechanism and commendation system of teachers in China.We should take multilateral professional performance of teachers into account,and show inclination to teachers who work in disadvantaged ares in outstanding teacher evaluation.Besides,we should also increase recognition and influence of our national outstanding teachers.
American National Teacher of the Yearmethod of content analysisprofessional activity