Publication Date

12-2014

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Elizabeth Lemerise (Director), Carl Myers, Elizabeth L. Jones

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Specialist in Education

Abstract

Teachers are required to manage difficult behaviors within their classrooms with limited support and resources. Additionally, there is not a lot of research that has been completed looking at teacher attitudes or how children’s behavior impacts them personally. The current study looks at teacher outcomes based upon an evidence-based teacher training program. The teacher training was implemented at the Western Kentucky Head Start. Teachers’ job stress and self-efficacy were measured before the training, after the training, in the fall, and in the spring. In addition, standardized observations were completed, looking at classroom climate and management, in the fall and spring following the training. There were no significant differences among Pretest, Post-test, fall, or spring data for measured job stress or self-efficacy. Based upon observation results, Positive Climate significantly increased from fall to spring and Concept Development significantly decreased. Teacher’s attitudes and perspectives are extremely important as they provide the general climate of the classroom. Continued research should be completed to assess teacher outcomes and how these outcomes impact the overfull functioning of the classroom and success of students.

Disciplines

Education | Educational Psychology | Elementary Education and Teaching | Pre-Elementary, Early Childhood, Kindergarten Teacher Education

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