Primeros años de docencia en contextos de pobreza: preguntas que la evidencia desde EE.UU. sugiere para la conversación en Chile

Abstract

In light of the lack of research in Chile about beginning teachers in high-poverty schools, this literature review examines 44 papers published in the United States about this topic over the past decade. Because the two countries are different in many ways, the conclusions from one cannot be extrapolated to the other; however, both share a neoliberal context, making this review valuable. Overall, studies suggested that the early years of teaching in high-poverty schools have become increasingly complex, due to economic, political, and cultural factors. The main research focus has been on teacher retention, and results indicate that monetary bonuses above an average teacher salary are not as relevant as other factors for attracting teachers to high-poverty schools. Research in the United States indicates the need to pay attention to working conditions, collaboration among colleagues, the pressure to achieve on standardized tests, and the lack of cultural relevance of what is taught in high-poverty schools. The review concludes by proposing six questions based on evidence from the United States to spark conversation in Chile.