Studies have shown that elementary teachers that are responsible for small group interventions in the classroom were uncertain about the implementation and had negative experiences regarding the process. This case study examines effective literacy intervention teachers as evidenced by academic outcomes. The research explores teachers’ experience and knowledge of interventions. This qualitative research study uses Social Constructivism and Reflective Practice as theoretical frameworks. The purpose of the study is to identify practices of effective teachers of literacy intervention.

Data collected from individual interviews, observations, and student artifacts are analyzed utilizing open coding to develop themes and concepts that identify patterns of experiences. The research questions center around the perceptions, knowledge, and experiences of Tier 2 RTI. After analysis, two themes were found that were connected to skills and qualities of effective teachers. Based on the data from this study, quality labeled codes generated more instances than those of skills.
There were commonalities within the data among the teachers, but each teacher was uniquely different in their teaching approach/style, relational style, level of support, and personalities. According to this study, qualities determined successful teachers more than skills. Teachers that connect with kids through nurturing interactions was a common factor of effective teachers more than any other attribute.
The teachers demonstrated similar qualities and skills verifying that effective teacher possessed some of the same attributes that ultimately promoted literacy achievement for their students. Teaching qualities such as passion and building strong relationships had a powerful impact on students’ literacy achievement.

Authors:
Earlisha Whitfield, McNeese State University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Earlisha Whitfield is an Assistant Professor of Education at McNeese State University. She has 18 years of experience in the education field with 12 years as a teacher/ literacy specialist and 6 years as a school leader in K-12 public schools.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/earlishawhitfield

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