edTPA Preparation: Building Support Structures for Teacher Candidates

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to discover and describe the effectiveness of edTPA mentoring and support program designed by the researchers measured by teacher candidates' perceptions. Within that research purpose, a research theory and/or model was constructed to describe a framework for effective preparation and teacher candidates' support program, which might lead to a successful completion/submission of edTPA entry and increase the probability of attaining a state teaching license. The research question was: What are the teacher candidates' perceptions of the edTPA preparation and support procedures designed by the researchers? This research utilized mixed method interactive program evaluation. An online survey collected teacher candidates' perceptions of mentoring and support for edTPA. The survey questions were organized around four constructs: Preparedness, understanding, submission and support from instructor, university supervisors, cooperating teacher, and resources. A comprehensive data analysis was conducted that identified areas of strength and need of the program.