This article is a personal reflection on borderlands as a professional home. Researchers who find themselves beyond their home discipline, i.e., the one in which they have been credentialed, have tried to assign terms for their location and its psychological ramifications. Defying an intellectual lane is to traverse a boundary that is constricted…

Embarking on a career in research is an exhilarating endeavor, driven by both a passion and a desire to contribute to one's field. However, for early career researchers, this journey is fraught with a unique set of challenges that can test their resolve and determination. In this article, the author identifies some common challenges and…

This paper presents an autoethnographic, narrative analysis through self-reflection of my own personal transition from doctoral student to doctoral supervisor. An evaluation of the importance of the PhD in South Africa, the role of doctoral supervisors, and characteristics of good supervisors was undertaken; against which my personal experience…

The Early Career Spotlight column aims to illustrate accomplishments, or problems that are overcome, by early career school psychologists. In each column, a different school psychologist or NASP leader is featured. This issue features questions and answers with Libby Malone, who works as a school psychologist for Denver Public Schools at West…

Transitioning to a new role can be challenging whether at one's current institution or at a new one. Often, the resources that are meant to help with the transition are written by those who have been in the field for many years and who are far removed from the excitement, trepidation, and, at times, uncertainty that may attend a new role. As a…

Teacher educators worry about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted what and how teacher candidates are able to learn in P-12 field experiences; yet it is possible to view this period as one of opportunity rather than limitation. This commentary argues for a conception of field experience as practice rather than context. When applied across…

As a newcomer, the philosophical basis of systems biology seems intuitive and appealing, the underlying philosophy being that the whole of a living system cannot be completely understood by the study of its individual parts. Yet answers to the questions "What is systems biology?" and "What constitutes a systems biology approach in…

This paper employs a socio-technical perspective to explore the role of complex work support systems in organising knowledge and providing opportunities for learning in professional work. Drawing on concepts from infrastructure studies, such systems are seen as work infrastructures which connect information, knowledge, standards and work…

In highlighting the importance of problem-based learning in the development of 21st century skills, (Yun Jo) An (2013) identified the challenges faced by novice teachers in its implementation and suggested strategies to support them. This commentary explores two aspects mentioned in the article, assessment and the role of collaboration, and argues…

Gettysburg College President Janet Morgan Riggs and Board Chair Robert N. Duelks are both members of the Gettysburg class of 1977, but did not know each other as students. As a member of the college's board of trustees, Duelks chaired the presidential search committee that selected Riggs as Gettysburg's 14th president in 2009. Then, one year after…

The author believes the two most valuable employees in an organization are the valued person(s) that has been there forever and helped build the infrastructure and processes and a "new guy" who questions why they exist. The seasoned professionals not only understand the processes, infrastructure, culture, educational programs, and vision, but were…

Black, Wilson, and Yao have identified a very real tension felt by teachers today that has been created by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in the United States and the National Curriculum Assessment in the United Kingdom. In many schools, formative assessment has either taken a backseat to summative assessment use, or many of the formative assessment…

The professional development needs of early career academics (ECAs) are increasingly subject to scrutiny. The literature notes writing groups can be successful in increasing research outputs and improving research track records--a core concern for ECAs. However, the pressure on ECAs to publish takes the pleasure out of writing for many. We argue…

The decision to leave a successful career and great earning potential to start over as a novice with new surroundings and expectations is not made without consideration of a wide array of variables. Making the transition to higher education was not an easy one and the transition itself has presented various other challenges and joys that I have…