The Continuum of Engagement: A Model for Developing Preservice Teachers' Understandings of Poverty and Social Justice

• In Event: 33.080 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 33.080-1 - Innovative Approaches to Challenges in Teacher Education

Abstract

This paper advances an original conceptual model as a means of understanding and developing preservice teachers’ engagement with poverty and social justice issues in teacher education programs. Designed in response to a national Aotearoa/New Zealand study of preservice teachers’ engagement with poverty, “The Continuum of Engagement” offers a practical means of fostering preservice teachers’ knowledge of social equity concerns often reflected in disadvantaged school settings. Study findings reveal a range of knowledge and experience with poverty signalling the need for greater emphasis to be placed on examining social justice issues in coursework and fieldwork experiences. This paper presents a practical approach to addressing issues of equity and access that supports the learning and development of critically conscious teachers.

Author

• Jennifer Tatebe, University of Auckland