Dr. Katherine Madeline Barpoulis

ELEMENTARY MATH TEACHER COLLABORATION PRACTICES: RELATIONSHIP TO SELF-EFFICACY AND COLLECTIVE EFFICACY

Teacher collaboration is an increasingly important aspect of the professionalism of teachers, Studies have demonstrated that collaboration has been associated with teachers’ professional growth and an increase in self-efficacy (Meirink, Meijer, & Verloop, 2007). However, deeper understanding is needed regarding the nature of collaborative practices and the types of collaboration teachers deem most impactful to their self-efficacy and collective efficacy. This quantitative study uses Bandura’s self-efficacy theory as a lens to explore how various forms of teacher collaboration and teacher participation in collaborative professional learning may be associated with teachers’ perceptions of self-efficacy and collective efficacy in teaching elementary mathematics. This study analyzed potential relationships between teacher self-efficacy and collective efficacy, and differences in self-efficacy and collective efficacy. The data showed that teacher self-efficacy and teacher collective efficacy were two distinct constructs. Therefore, efforts to increase the selfefficacy of teachers may not necessarily translate into an increase in their collective efficacy. The study offers recommendations for policy, school leaders and PD work. The study offers recommendations for school leaders that will successfully build a sense of collective efficacy and continuous professional growth.

Katherine Barpoulis is currently the Coordinator of Mathematics for K-6 and STEM Enrichment in the White Plains City School District. Ms. Barpoulis grew up in Dutchess County, attended school in the Wappingers CSD, where she was inspired by all of her teachers. Katherine attended Tufts and Vassar College as an undergraduate and received her B.A. in Math from Vassar. She completed her MS at Marist College and her Administration Cert at SUNY New Paltz. Dr. Barpoulis started her career in the Rhinebeck CSD. She achieved National Board Cert. She participated in the NYS Math Standards Review Committee and the NYSED Professional Learning Team. Katherine served as an adjunct professor at Marist. She lives in Stanfordville, N.Y., with her husband Marvin, and dog, Dakota. She enjoys hiking, biking, golfing, cross-country skiing, and spending time with her family.