Partnering to Lead and Empower District-Grown Educators: A Community Collaboration to Recruit and Retain Diverse Teacher Candidates

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Five
  In Roundtable Session: Partnering and Mixed Reality: New Clinical Experiences (Table 13)

Abstract

The PLEDGE (Partnering to Lead and Empower District-Grown Educators) model offers a promising approach to recruiting and retaining diverse teacher candidates. PLEDGE embraces a perspective view that the knowledge, skills, and experiences of people of color are valuable assets essential to the preparation of future teachers. The model supports and respects the cultural capital candidates bring to the learning experience. PLEDGE looked at ideas of respect and relationships built between and among institutions, candidates, and community. Some findings revealed that integrative planning and shared wrap-around support resources between the two institutions involved in the model provided consistent and continuous guidance for candidates. Community, both going into the community and community space, were identified as important collaborative components of this program.

Authors

• Sally Blake, Northern Illinois University
  Presenting Author

• Sean Jensen, Elgin Community College
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jennifer Johnson, Northern Illinois University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Laurie A. Elish-Piper, Northern Illinois University
  Presenting Author

• David A. Walker, Northern Illinois University
  Presenting Author