Training for Teachers of Refugee Students in Arizona Schools

• In Event: Teacher Learning Toward Equity and Justice to Change Systemic Inequalities

Abstract

In recent years, schools in Maricopa County, AZ have seen an increase in the number of refugee students enrolling in public schools. This is happening against the backdrop of large numbers of teachers leaving the workforce or choosing not to enter the field in the first place. As the student population diversifies both in terms of cultural and social diversity, teachers find themselves lacking important information to be able to reach the students where they are. This paper explores the needs of teachers, with a focus on the professional training designed to help them teach this student population effectively. A teacher survey, ethnographic interviews, and a review of the literature were completed and results will be presented.

Authors

• Joanna Henderson

• Eric Ambroso, Arizona State University