How Pre-Service STEM Teachers Use Their Networks to Learn about the Teaching Profession

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 7:45 am
  In Poster Session: Teacher Pipelines, Recruitment, and Pathways

Abstract

School leaders continue to face challenges in recruiting and retaining STEM teachers, in part due to declining enrollment and graduation rates in educator preparation programs (EPPs). This study explores how STEM pre-service teachers, who are STEM majors enrolled in a university-based STEM EPP, many from racially underrepresented backgrounds, use their social networks to learn about the teaching profession and the types of advice they seek. Findings indicate that most pre-service teachers sought advice from a key university faculty and staff member. Seniors, in particular, also frequently turned to individuals outside their university for advice. The advice most often sought by all STEM pre-service teachers focused on challenges within the teaching profession. These findings carry important implications for research and practice.

Authors

• Janet Solis Rodriguez, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Carrie Anna Mitchell, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Priya Prasad, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Carey B. Walls, University of Texas - San Antonio