ABSTRACT

This chapter shows the role of early childhood teacher research in the professional development of early childhood teachers. It juxtaposes what good teaching is with what teacher research is all about. It explores what readers may currently be doing that is already teacher research and that can develop into a teacher research agenda. Multiple purposes of teacher research are presented including documentation of children’s learning, assessment including portfolio assessment, and movement toward quality teaching. This chapter addresses how teacher research may help meet professional standards including working toward National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification.