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Getting Started in Academia: A Guide for Educational Psychologists

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Abstract

We identify the major tasks facing pre-tenure faculty members and outline advice, based on a review of the literature and our experiences, for succeeding in academia. The challenges encountered by new faculty include learning the culture of the new academic institution, understanding the processes and policies for academic performance review, establishing meaningful and constructive mentoring relationships, creating a sustainable research agenda as well as fostering the writing attitudes and strategies that promote turning research projects into publications. Also included are recommendations for developing expertise in teaching, cultivating healthy and productive relationships with advisees, and fulfilling service responsibilities. Finally, we suggest strategies for balancing the multiple, and sometimes competing, demands and expectations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Policy, Research and Administration, School of Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA

    Christine B. McCormick & Benita J. Barnes

  2. School of Education 124 Furcolo Hall, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 813 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003-9308, USA

    Christine B. McCormick

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  1. Christine B. McCormick
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  2. Benita J. Barnes
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Correspondence to Christine B. McCormick.

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McCormick, C.B., Barnes, B.J. Getting Started in Academia: A Guide for Educational Psychologists. Educ Psychol Rev 20, 5–18 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-007-9058-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-007-9058-z

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