Educate U.S.: Engaged Teacher Candidate Field Experiences in an Urban Context

• In Event: Diversifying Field Experiences to Prepare Preservice Teachers to Teach All Learners

Abstract

The Educate U.S. program was designed to give students a diverse clinical experience in an urban environment with a unique hands-on teaching and learning opportunity. Data analyses indicated that positive program experience attributes were related to 1). an aptitude and confidence to teach all students; 2). expanded self-perspective toward instruction; 3). development of a diversity-based view; 4). realized ability and effectiveness in terms of innovative instructional strategies and the practice of these skill sets; 5). enhanced perceptions of the realities of teaching and the increased desire to become a professional teacher; and 6). application(s) of what was learned in the urban field setting to courses and experiences within programs of study as part of continuing, professional education and development.

Authors

• David A. Walker, Northern Illinois University

• Laurie A. Elish-Piper, Northern Illinois University