Place Matters: Preparing Preservice Teachers for Rural Spaces

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Creating Possibilities: Teacher Preparation for Rural Places (Table 39)

Abstract

Teacher education programs are reimagining field experiences to better prepare future teachers (known as preservice teachers or PSTs) for the complexities of diverse classrooms. One approach being adopted is the integration of community-based learning experiences, which can broaden PSTs' understanding of different learning methods that emphasize the knowledge and resources within a community. This research paper illustrates a collaborative effort involving a rural kindergarten teacher, first-year PSTs enrolled in a community-based course, a teacher educator, and a rural midwestern community. Through the application of critical pedagogy of place, the paper demonstrates how the collaboration with community partners enhanced the PSTs' knowledge, skills, and awareness of the strengths and challenges encountered in one rural community.

Author

• Stephanie Oudghiri Scherer, Purdue University