Early Field Experience Impacts on Rural STEM Teacher Recruiting

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Rural School Staffing: Teacher and Leader Preparation

Abstract

Recruiting STEM teachers is challenging in the state of Texas and nationwide because of low salaries and poor benefits, particularly in rural districts (Viadero, 2018). To close this teacher shortage gap, the program staff recruited potential STEM teachers through an early intensive field experience, the Master Teacher Job Shadow where participants spend five consecutive school days with teachers in a rural STEM classroom. Our findings indicate that participants were able to witness the altruistic nature of teaching, watch teachers inspire and connect with students, increasing the appeal of teaching. As the United States continues to experience a teacher shortage, recruitment programs can be a key factor in developing institutional commitment to recruitment of STEM teachers, particularly in the rural communities.

Authors

• Amber Wagnon, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Chrissy J Cross, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Keith Hubbard, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Dennis Gravatt, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Lesa Beverly, Stephen F. Austin State University