What Motivated High School Youths to Teach? Perspectives and Experiences of Homegrown Teachers

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Four
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Beliefs and Burnout (Table 8)

Abstract

This qualitative study examined how a group of aspiring teachers who were enrolled in a Grow Your Own (GYO) pre-educator program explained their motivations to become homegrown teachers in their communities. Findings suggested that these aspiring teachers attributed their initial interests in teaching to their own inequitable schooling experiences. Learning in the GYO exposed them to teaching knowledge and practices that were embedded in local community contexts. Access to caring and culturally responsive GYO teacher mentors further fostered their commitment to teaching and improving equitable learning in and for local schools and communities.

Author

• Yiting Chu, University of South Florida - Tampa
  Presenting Author