Introducing Preservice Teachers to Alternative Education Settings (Poster 1)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 5:10 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Division K Section 9 Initial Teacher and Teacher Educator Preparation Posters

Abstract

To address and understand the challenge of recruiting skilled and qualified teachers to work in alternative education settings, we conducted a multiple method study focused on pre-service teachers. We surveyed 54 pre-service teachers on their awareness, feelings of preparedness, career interests, and career intentions regarding alternative education settings. Participants demonstrated overall low awareness of alternative education settings and mixed feelings of preparedness for working with vulnerable populations of youth. Interested survey participants were invited to participate in a follow-up study and complete multiple activities which introduced them to alternative education settings through embodied and sensory experiences. The follow-up study participants expressed feeling uniquely qualified for these settings based on their personalities, identities, and experiences.

Authors

• Annee N. Grayson, Arizona State University

• Mirka E. Koro, Arizona State University