Prioritizing Successful Program Completion for Teacher Candidates of Color

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: The Role of Teacher Preparation Programs in Supporting Teachers for and From Diverse Communities

Abstract

The population of future teachers of color is growing and colleges of education continue to wrestle with the challenges of producing and supporting a diverse pool of teacher candidates. This research examines qualitative and quantitative data to understand the ways in which one teacher education program is facilitating the development of future teachers of color. Researchers in this paper are in the process of a teacher education program redesign and in year one of implementing a redeveloped state-sponsored teaching assessment. Findings indicate a higher likelihood of successful program completion when candidates experience a sense of belonging and preparedness and a program’s commitment to educational justice. Insights are offered to better support teacher candidates of color beyond their teacher preparation program.

Author

• Nicol R. Howard, University of Redlands