Narratives of Black Residents' Motivation for Teaching and Choosing Teacher Residency Programs

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: We Shall Not Be Moved: Honoring Identities, Motivations, and Well-Being in Teacher Preparation and Development

Abstract

Teacher residency programs (TRPs) have shown promise in recruiting Black teachers while providing quality preparation and sustained support. However, little is known about the motivations of Black teacher residents to join the teaching profession and participate in TRPs, which hinders efforts to better understand recruitment and retention. This study explores Black teacher residents' perceptions about their motivation to join the teaching profession, select a TRP, and their suggestions to improve TRPs. Using focus group interviews of 35 Black teacher residents representing 12 TRPs across the U.S., the researchers identified social justice, socialization, and stability as motivators for their career choices. Residents offered suggestions for improving the race and social justice components of the program, community building, and transparency.

Authors

• Michelle Nguyen Kwok, Texas A&M University

• Afaq Ahmed, Texas A&M University

• Andrew Kwok, Texas A&M University