The Power and Possibility for Place and Community to Better Prepare Preservice Teachers

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: The Power of Possibility Through Experiential Learning in Teacher Prep

Abstract

This study focuses on the impact of a community’s role in developing the knowledge and skills pre-service teachers (PSTs) need in order to effectively engage with students and families from racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse populations. Data sources include PSTs’ written reflections of their experiences with mentor families of school-aged children outside of school settings and with sustained engagement in discipline-based Service-Learning experiences. Findings suggest these community-focused field experiences provided unique opportunities through which participating PSTs learned lessons otherwise unlearned through traditional teacher preparation components. PSTs authentically experienced the importance of respecting families and the community as sources of knowledge, engaging in community spaces outside of school, and serving the community they live and work in as teachers.

Authors

• Lauren E Burrow, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Heather K. Olson Beal, Stephen F. Austin State University