Creating a Continuum: Considering Induction Programs for Secondary Social Studies Teachers

Abstract

The call for support of beginning teachers has ebbed and flowed over the years with the tide of educational reform. Recently, the call has taken on a more urgent and distinct tenor, focusing on specialized support for secondary teachers. This paper reviews social studies education literature in view of making the case for specialized support programs for beginning secondary social studies teachers. The authors argue that creating a teacher education continuum that includes induction programs would strengthen both teaching and research in social studies education. In addition, the authors discuss one pilot program for beginning secondary social studies teachers, including program elements and participant responses.