The Perspectives and Experiences of Latino Teens Exploring a Pathway to Teaching

• In Event: 35.083 - Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: 35.083-9 - Poster Session: Hispanic Research Issues

Abstract

The Latino/a public school population is the largest and most rapidly growing ethnic group in the United States. Despite this demographic shift we have seen little change in current teacher demographics, which remains overwhelmingly white, female and monolingual English speakers. There is an urgent need to increase the number of Latino male teachers in classrooms throughout the US; however, their pathway to teaching is marked by significant obstacles. This qualitative study explores the impact of a pre-collegiate course and factors that encourage and dissuade 11th and 12th grade Latino students’ (N=27) exploration of a teaching career. Results illustrate the potential of an effective recruitment program by encouraging Latino teens to see themselves as agents of change and potential future teachers.

Authors

• Margarita Bianco, University of Colorado - Denver

• Nancy L. Leech, University of Colorado - Denver