Bridges and launchingpads

A case study of teachers who have taken time away from the classroom to work on short term contracts in a university college of education pre-service teacher education programme. The study considers their perceptions of the ways in which this experience has enhanced their professional development in terms of greater understanding, expertise and/or career prospects. It considers their positive and negative experiences at the College and makes recommendations about the extent to which the positive aspects can be maximised. The research examines the ways in which this experience has changed their teaching practices and enhanced their ability to work with pre-service teachers as lecturers/tutors and associate teachers when they return to the classroom/centre. It also explores whether this experience has enhanced their professional roles within the school setting, particularly in having input into new initiatives and policies. The final section considers principals’ perceptions of releasing staff members for short-term contracts at the College of Education.

Findings suggest that for these interviewees teaching in a tertiary institution is a very valuable professional experience. However there are some limitations associated with a one-year contract resulting from the need to become familiar with college structures, course content, new terminology and adjust to teaching adult learners. Results also indicate that, as a consequence of working at the College, a number of those interviewed have subsequently sought more challenging positions within the school system rather than retain their previously-held positions.