All the Best Efforts: Preparing and Supporting Teachers for High-Needs Schools

• In Event: 64.087 - MTCC Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: 64.087-1 - Examining Preservice and In-Service Teachers' Commitment and Motivation When Serving Diverse Communities

Abstract

High teacher turnover has long been recognized as a liability for students and schools, particularly in high-needs contexts. In this study, a survey was conducted of early career teachers who completed a preparation program geared toward teaching in traditionally underserved communities. The authors wanted to examine if alumni felt prepared and planned to stay in their schools and in the teaching profession. The data show that while our program strives to create a cadre of committed, purpose-driven teachers, our alumni are at risk of fitting the current attrition statistics. In this paper we describe the factors that are influencing participants’ decision to stay in or leave the profession and discuss implications for teacher-educators.

Authors

• Tabitha Dell'Angelo, The College of New Jersey

• Lina Richardson, The College of New Jerey