Promising Practices in Early Educator Preparation: Supporting a Diverse, High-Quality Workforce

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In recent years, several states have increased their required education qualifications for preschool teachers. Although preschool instruction is complex, many are concerned that raising requirements will push experienced teachers out of the field, particularly educators of color who face significant barriers to higher education completion. This session looks at what it would it take to increase teaching requirements while maintaining the field’s racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. It presents research on three innovative preparation programs that have taken responsibility for ensuring that diverse learners make it to and through their program. Presenters will address how they recruit educators of diverse backgrounds, what supports they provide to ensure their success, and offer recommendations for research and policy.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Early Education and Child Development

Chair

• Ashley C. Williams, University of California - Berkeley

Papers

• Supporting the Advancement of Early Educators Through Apprenticeship - Abby Copeman Petig, University of California - Berkeley

• Supporting Diversity in the Early Childhood Education Workforce Through Higher Education Pathways - Lygia Stebbing, San Francisco State University

• Preparing Early Educators: A Community College Connecting Theory to Practice - Nicole Porter, Skyline College

Discussant

• Hanna Melnick, Learning Policy Institute