Mapping the Terrain: How Novice Teachers Navigate Transitions

• In Event: Beyond Survival: Supporting Preservice and Early Career Teachers to Thrive in the Profession

Abstract

Teacher retention is an enduring challenge in the United States education system and novice teachers tend to have a higher rate of attrition. This qualitative study explored the experiences of novice teachers who graduated from the same elementary education program in the southeastern United States. Through the arts-based method of body mapping, two participants reflected on the transition from pre-service teacher to novice teacher with a focus on support. Themes suggest that these novice teachers need more support throughout accumulating challenges, and they faced a major reality check when transitioning to their own classroom. Implications for universities and administrators are discussed.

Authors

• Allison Hitchens, University of South Florida - Tampa

• Jennifer Jacobs, University of South Florida

• Randi Latzke, University of South Florida