Teacher Preparation for Urban Schools: Relationship Between Program Components and Teacher Retention

• In Event: Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: Innovative Models for Preparing Teachers for Urban Schools

Abstract

Difficulties in recruiting and retaining well prepared teachers have plagued American urban schools for many years. This study examines the role teacher education can play in preparing teachers for urban schools. The yield rate and retention rates for teachers graduating from one urban college of education show that the mission of the program to prepare educators for the urban settings and a curriculum focused on providing theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and dispositions for instruction in high-needs classrooms has been successful. Data from three years of its graduates indicate that the components of teacher preparation significantly associated with teacher retention were: GPA, teachers’ minority status, and programs in middle/secondary education and early childhood education.

Authors

• Ruchi Bhatnagar, Georgia State University

• Jihye Kim, Kennesaw State University

• Joyce E. Many, Georgia State University