District Supports for Alternative Permit Teachers to Enhance Self-Efficacy and Retention: University/District Research Collaborative

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: School, University, and Community Collaborations as Network Improvement Communities

Abstract

With a rise of alternative permit teachers coming to education, many have little to no preparation or self-efficacy for the demands needed to support all learners. Low teacher efficacy is associated with high rates of attrition. As a result, districts throughout the U.S., including California, struggle to retain the teachers they recruit and hire for these hard-to-fill positions. Using a mixed-methods approach, teacher efficacy and retention of alternative permit P-12 new hires is examined in one of the largest districts in California. The district provided new supports to impact teacher efficacy and retention, including: 1) a district guidelines workshop, 2) university collaboration for credentialing program enrollment, 3) credential progress monitoring, and 4) self-selected professional learning.

Authors

• Lisa A. Harrington, Fresno Unified School District

• Nichole R Walsh, Fresno State