Undergraduates' Views on Teaching

• In Event: Latinx Teachers on Teaching

Abstract

What do undergraduates find attractive and deterring about a teaching career? How do these views differ across racial groups? These questions are critical in the U.S. in a time of dramatic teacher shortages and a growing mismatch between the racial demographics of the teacher and student populations. We surveyed 297 upper-level undergraduates at a Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution about their perspectives on careers in general and teaching in particular and held 3 race-alike focus groups (12 participants) with race-matched facilitators. Recommendations for recruiting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) teachers include emphasizing the ways in which teaching is interesting, enjoyable, and skill-building, and stressing the opportunity to make an impact on society and the lives of children.

Authors

• Julie Gainsburg, California State University - Northridge

• Monica G. Garcia, California State University - Northridge

• Dana Stone, California State University - Northridge