Power to the Belizean Teachers: Assessing the Needs to Teacher Practices

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Teacher Preparation and Professional Development in Global Contexts

Abstract

We conducted a needs assessment for the teachers to identify how we can facilitate better professional development and then provide teacher training. Our study took place with teachers in an impoverished area in Belize. We chose a mixed methods research design. In order to identify the prevalence and the types of needs indicated by the teachers, we analyzed data using SPSS version twenty. We analyzed the open-ended questions with a constant comparison method, identifying themes that emerged, and then employed a cross-case analysis. As the data demonstrates, teacher quality is one of the barriers to education in the Toledo District. The research project will provide professional development to the teachers that will focus on their perceived needs.

Authors

• Amber McCullough, The University of Mississippi

• Susan V. Bennett, The University of Mississippi