Serving English Learners Through Transnational Teacher Preparation

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: Bilingual Education Research: Theory, Policy, and Practice Poster Session

Abstract

As numbers of U.S.-Mexico transnational students increase, so does the need for teachers who can respond to their needs. This study presents data from 64 pre-service teachers who studied in Mexico for part of their teacher preparation program. Key data sources included: pre- and post-program results from the Teachers of English Learner Survey; interviews; and reports on the achievement of the English Learners after graduates' first and second years of teaching. Results showed that graduates of the transnational program showed greater preference for working with EL students and families; more knowledge regarding target cultures, school systems, and transnational communities; increased academic Spanish; and continued positive impact of transnational study several years into their classroom teaching, including EL student achievement.

Authors

• Nadeen T. Ruiz, California State University - Sacramento

• Peter J. Baird, California State University - Sacramento