Preparing Teachers for Diverse Classrooms: What Two Veteran Teacher Educators Have Learned

• In Event: Teacher Perspectives on English Language Learners and Diverse Learners: Translations of Theory Into Classroom Practices

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to pull together information from a number of studies and presentations over the years that raised research questions and attempted to document the efforts and outcomes of both elementary and secondary educators (both content and ESL teachers) in their struggle to improve the school experiences of English language learners. A meta-analysis of several small studies, it examines the processes at work in an innovative in-service teacher development program designed to effect school change through sustained, teacher-driven efforts that focus on site-specific needs. When teachers on a small team within a school work individually and collaboratively rethink and restructure their instructional practices with English language learners what outcomes occur?

Authors

• Constance L. Walker, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Tina Edstam, University of Minnesota