The role of the middle school teacher

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of the middle school teacher in a 9 ~ 13 middle school. The thesis's intentions are two fold:- i) To answer three basic questions about the role of the teacher; a) Is the role of the middle school teacher different from that of the primary and high school teacher? b) Has working as a member of a team changed the teachers' role? c) Has the personality of the teacher working as a team member acquired a new importance? d) In attempting to answer these questions methodological procedures have been employed which have allowed for the in depth study of one middle school. The organisation of the middle school into year teams with a year co-ordinator as a member and leader of each team has created a different structure from that of the first and high schools. These organisational changes have created a new role for the teacher working in the team. The teachers' role in the year team has emphasized collaboration, co-operation, and the use of shared resources. Teachers have become aware of the importance of the personality of the team members in the smooth working of the team.