Innovative Rural Teacher Preparation for a Diverse Workforce: Candidate Perceptions of Program Design and Impact

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Diversity and Inclusion in Rural Teacher Education Contexts (Table 8)

Abstract

An innovative grow-your-own pathway to prepare rural teachers in a 2+2 undergraduate program designed in partnership between a large Hispanic Serving university and four rural community colleges explores teacher candidates’ perceptions of effective program design elements and the impact of the program on their personal and professional lives. After conducting semi-structured interviews with candidates at multiple points in their program, results indicate that candidates identified key staff and family supports, the ability to remain in their communities throughout the program, financial supports such as paid clinical roles, and opportunity to continue in a Master’s degree as effective design features. Personal and professional impacts included how the program built confidence, supported academic success, and enhanced their teaching competencies.

Authors

• Cindy Gutierrez, University of Colorado - Denver

• Barbara Seidl, University of Colorado - Denver

• Susan C. Connors, University of Colorado - Denver

• Ritu Chopra, University of Colorado - Denver

• Valerie Sherman, University of Colorado - Denver