Addressing Beginning STEM Teachers' Needs

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Recruitment and Retention Focused on Content Areas

Abstract

A continued need exists for highly-qualified teachers, especially in mathematics and science in high-needs schools (HNS). Nationally-sponsored efforts such as NSF's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program support IHE trying to attract and support STEM teacher candidates to work in HNS. This mixed-methods study uses a survey and candidate interviews to understand the experiences and needs of first-year teachers/inductees who successfully completed a Noyce-sponsored teacher preparation program and are now teaching full time in a HNS. Inductees indicate aspects of teaching to be considered as we continue to support these candidates. Concerns include access to mentoring, the challenging nature of addressing students’ needs, and access to high quality curriculum and technology.

Authors

• Anne Seitsinger, University of Rhode Island

• Jay A. Fogleman, University of Rhode Island