The core network model: Candidates self-defining support for National Board Certification.

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structures, processes, and interactions of mentoring and other collaborative relationships underlying a network of support for candidates pursuing National Board Certification. The overarching question guiding the inquiry---how do veteran teachers construct and utilize a network of support in their efforts to achieve National Board Certification---was investigated through the following secondary questions: (a) For what purposes are individual relationships cultivated within a National Board candidate's support network? (b) What influences the development and use of individual relationships within a National Board candidate's support network? (c) How do National Board candidates structure individual relationships within their support network? (d) How do individual relationships within a National Board candidate's support network interact?.
Utilizing grounded theory methodology, a substantive theory is presented to describe how National Board candidates in a school system utilized a network of support during their candidacies. The Core Network Model is initiated by the specific needs of the National Board candidates, but responds to both environmental and personal influences related to candidacy efforts. In response to these purposes and influences, candidates structure their individual relationships within a hierarchy of core and satellite relationships. These relationships variously meet through formal and informal structures. The interactions of the individual relationships, as suggested in the Core Network Model, occur within and between communities. However, these interactions are tempered by their proximity to one another and a shared purpose in the candidate achieving National Board Certification.
The Core Network Model highlights the role of candidate self-initiative in constructing and utilizing a support network for National Board Certification. Yet, school building level supports, as perceived by the candidates, also play a part in assisting or hindering the network's overall development. A series of recommendations address development of the theory and implications for National Board Certification support.