Poster #36 - Challenges of Urban Novice STEM Middle School Teachers

• In Event: 79.052 - MTCC Poster Session 19
  In Poster Session: 79.052-4 - Teaching Across Multiple Spaces

Abstract

In this qualitative study of career change STEM novice middle school teachers, they faced substantial challenges in becoming effective teachers in urban school settings. The group of fourteen cohort teachers in a fast-track on-the-job teacher education program experienced many of the often reported challenges in urban schools. This research found that central to the challenges these teachers faced was class management, specifically, student behavioral issues. Findings indicated that teachers’ self-efficacy was highly influenced by how these teachers perceived their ability to keep order in their classrooms. Additionally, seasoned teachers partnering and modeling effective teaching may support improved self-efficacy with novice teachers and increase the likelihood they persist and not leave the field of pre K-12 education.

Author

• Bobby J. Jeanpierre, University of Central Florida