Becoming a Culturally Responsive Educator: The Impact of Clinical Experiences in Urban Schools

• In Event: Critical Issues in Urban Teacher Education: Focus on Teacher Preparation

Abstract

This mixed-methods study focuses on elementary and secondary teacher candidates’ perspectives of their clinical experiences and how related aspects influence their preparedness in becoming effective culturally responsive educators. Specifically, the researchers aim to investigate features of clinical experiences in K-12 urban classrooms to better understand what makes a quality student teaching experience. Qualitative data is highlighted and was collected through open-ended survey responses and focus groups with teacher candidates in both urban focused elementary and secondary teacher education programs at one college of education. Facets of clinical experiences that impacted teacher candidates’ feelings of preparedness on becoming culturally responsive educators were identified. Findings may help strengthen the clinical aspect of teacher education programs both locally and nationally.

Authors

• Jennifer D. Olson, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Arthi B. Rao, University of Illinois at Chicago