Czech teachers as "bearers of change": teacher inspiration and attitudes toward change in secondary state and non-state schools
This study examines teacher attitudes toward change in teaching and teacher use of professional development and sources of inspiration in Czech secondary schools. It seeks to identify and explore differences in attitudes toward change and professional inspiration between state and non-state secondary school teachers. The background for this study is framed by the post-communist transformation of the Czech political system, economy, and society. The combined influences of the pre-communist and communist heritage in teaching, the rapid post-1989 transformation of Czech schooling, and the emerging differing characteristics and conditions of teaching in state as opposed to non-state schools pull teachers in state and non-state schools in different directions.This project studies teachers in eight schools, four state and four non-state, including three private and one church school, in two administrative regions of East Bohemia. It uses the tools of school site observation, teacher survey, and teacher interviews to explore aspects of teaching in the new sector of non-state schooling as compared to state schooling. Focusing almost exclusively on teachers, and situating the research as a comparison between state and non-state school teachers, this study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the new non-state schools and of the work and attitudes of teachers as change agents in these schools. This study will hopefully help in filling the gap in research of Czech teachers as change agents, and of Czech non-state schools in general.
- Education - Seattle