Opportunities and Challenges Engaging Students' Families During Virtual Student Teaching

• In Event: Designing Field-Based Learning for Connectedness During Times of Disconnect and Crisis

Abstract

In this paper, we use interview data from six preservice teacher candidates to highlight how virtual student teaching settings during a global pandemic gave teacher candidates unprecedented access to the lives of their students, and also gave families access to their practice. This newly acquired access presented multiple opportunities, challenges, and implications for candidates’ future in-person teaching. Given the importance of engaging with families when developing culturally sustaining teaching philosophies and pedagogies, this study highlights the critical importance of teacher preparation programs leveraging and mediating these kinds of settings/learning opportunities when designing future clinical experiences.

Authors

• Chris Bradford, St Norbert College

• Patricia J. Norman, St. Norbert College