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Job-embedded Peer Coaching Professional Development to Support Preschool Assistive Technology Use: Teachers' and Peer Coaches' Perceptions
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Job-embedded Peer Coaching Professional Development to Support Preschool Assistive Technology Use: Teachers' and Peer Coaches' Perceptions

Michelle Schladant, A. Garilli, G. Balzano, R. Natale and B. Elbaum
Early childhood education journal
2025-11-06

Abstract

Education & Educational Research Social Sciences
This study examined teachers' (n = 19), and peer coaches' (n = 10) perceptions of a job-embedded peer coaching professional development intervention designed to support teachers' assistive technology (AT) use in inclusive preschool classrooms. Under this professional development model, school-based personnel, trained as coaches, supported teachers' AT use. The six-month professional development intervention combined online learning modules, access to AT tools, and structured peer coaching cycles. Data from participant focus groups and teachers' written reflections were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed teachers' and coaches' agreement that the job-embedded coaching intervention expanded teachers' understanding and use of a range of AT and enhanced student engagement, communication, and participation. At the same time, participants noted multiple barriers to optimal implementation of the model, including time constraints, classroom management challenges, and staffing shortages. Study findings support the promise of job-embedded peer coaching for AT implementation while underscoring the critical need for structural reforms that are essential for peer coaching to reach its full potential.
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Job-embedded Peer Coaching Professional Development to Support Preschool Assistive Technology Use: Teachers' and Peer Coaches' Perceptions831.18 kBDownloadView
Open Access CC BY V4.0
url
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-025-02048-wView
Published (Version of record) Open

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Citation topics
6 Social Sciences
6.24 Psychiatry & Psychology
6.24.1528 Early Childhood Education
Web Of Science research areas
Education & Educational Research
ESI research areas
Social Sciences, general

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