Supporting, guiding and coaching preschool teachers: towards a meaningful relation between preschool teachers and their school coordinators/advisors

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Published: Nov 12, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/dial.26778
Keywords:
educational leadership guidance coaching counseling
Ελευθερία Αργυροπούλου
Associate Professor, University of Crete
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4235-8740
Αλεξάνδρα Βερικάκη
Ελληνικό Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6523-6362
Abstract
This paper aims to highlight the essential role of the Educational Coordinator-School Advisor in relation to the needs and expectations of preschool/kindergarten teachers. State preschool/kindergarten teachers are faced with increasingly complex and demanding roles as they have to adapt to continuous changes and implement them in their teaching. Consequently, they need support, guidance and practical suggestions form their Coordinators/ School Advisors to be more effective practitioners. Semi-structured interviews with both Coordinators/Advisors and preschool teachers were used to investigate what teachers expect from their Coordinators/Advisors and what the latter do to facilitate and support them. The results indicated that preschool/kindergarten teachers recognize the Coordinator's contribution to their everyday practice; however, it was shown that Coordinators do not always perform their duties efficiently and according to their roles, as they-themselves- often face similar challenges in their own professional field; thus, Coordinators need to make better and more extended use of their potential and optimize their practices. The findings of this study can offer fresh ideas for the reformulation of the Coordinators/Advisors’ practices and a deeper understanding of their roles regarding the quality in early childhood education and the ultimate benefit of young children.
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Author Biographies
Ελευθερία Αργυροπούλου, Associate Professor, University of Crete

Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια στην Οργάνωση, Διοίκηση και Ηγεσία στην Εκπαίδευση

Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Προσχολικής Εκπαίδευσης, Σχολή Επιστημών Αγωγής, Πανεπιστήμιο Κρήτης

Αλεξάνδρα Βερικάκη, Ελληνικό Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο
Νηπιαγωγός, MEd.
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