The Capital of STEM Teacher Residents in High-Needs Schools

• In Event: AERA Graduate Student Research in Progress Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Teaching Science: Practitioner Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Retention (Table 16)

Abstract

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Pennsylvania is experiencing a STEM teacher shortage. This shortage is especially apparent in high-needs school districts like the School District of Philadelphia (SDP). Drexel University has partnered with the SDP's Teacher Residency Program and the NSF's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program to address the district's need for credentialed STEM teachers. While the SDP has experienced success in recruiting and training teacher residents, the residents often leave the district after their residency period ends. This two-part qualitative study aims to better understand the experiences and capital of the teacher residents who are enrolled at Drexel and receiving Noyce funding. The results of this study may impact how Drexel and the SDP can use capital theories to address the retention of teacher residents, as well as provide a more holistic understanding of why teacher residents persist in adverse teaching conditions.

Author

• Casey E Hanna, Drexel University
  Presenting Author