Beyond Partnerships of Proximity: A Cross-Case Comparison of School-University Collaborations in Urban Field Experiences

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: School Structures and Preservice Teachers' Experiences

Abstract

Partnerships between educator preparation programs (EPPs) situated in urban areas and urban P-12 school districts would seem to be a logical context within which to prepare pre-service teachers for urban classrooms, mentor novice teachers in their early careers, and retain urban teacher leaders by providing ongoing professional development. However, a shared geographic vicinity between P-12 schools and EPPs does not guarantee effective partnerships. This research examines the critical question - how can these proximity-based urban partnerships be transformed into meaningful and engaging learning contexts for all stakeholders involved? A cross-case comparative study involving five distinct urban school-university-community collaborations from across the United States highlights critical components of partnerships with meaningful, engaged learning contexts and outlines barriers to this process.

Authors

• Corine Meredith Brown, Rowan University

• Meg White, Stockton University

• Connie Schaffer, University of Nebraska - Omaha

• Shawna Bushell, Rowan University

• Sandra Rodriguez-Arroyo, University of Nebraska - Omaha