Educator Preparation Programs Research Articles

Preparing school leaders for social justice: An analysis of educational leadership preparation programs in Jamaica

The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which the curricula across three educational leadership preparation programs in Jamaica are addressing issues of social justice and social justice leadership in their preparation of aspiring school leaders. The methodological approach used was content analysis to determine the presence or absence of specific concepts within leadership preparation programs’ curricula. Increasingly, several scholars in education have been using this technique to explore how different concepts are addressed across leadership preparation programs. Findings revealed that the three leadership preparation programs gave minimal attention to preparing current and aspiring school leaders to engage in social justice leadership. Implications are offered for local policymakers and their reconceptualization of the job requirements of principals, leadership preparation programs, and faculty teaching in these programs.

A Self-Care and Wellness Framework in Educator Preparation to Address Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Secondary Traumatic Stress

ABSTRACT As a result of stress, burnout, and attrition, the U.S. has perpetual teacher shortages. While systemic changes are necessary to improve the field of education, teaching as a helping profession is stressful, with multiple job responsibilities and roles. In addition to work-related stress and burnout, teachers are also affected by compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress (STS). This article provides a self-care and wellness framework for faculty at educator preparation programs to embed across coursework and clinical practice, supporting preservice teachers (PSTs) through a preventative approach. We explain each construct and follow up with case studies to illustrate how signs and symptoms may appear for PSTs. Our wellness framework and self-care lessons are intended to make self-care strategies tangible, applicable, and easily integrated into PSTs’ educational, professional, and personal lives.

Purposeful Integration of Assistive Technology for Diverse Learner Needs in Educator Preparation Programs

Educator Preparation Programs are designed around expectations of professional standards. As technology, both instructional and assistive, expands in K-12 classrooms, all pre-service educators (i.e., teachers, counselors, leaders, assistive technology specialists) require direct and intentional training in technology selection, implementation across settings, and evaluation of effectiveness. This study questioned how different benchmarks provide accountability for educational professionals’ technology integration to meet learners’ varied needs. Researchers analyzed existing professional preparation standards in relation to educator’s knowledge, skills, and dispositions toward using technology focusing on preparation or requirements for implementing AT in the classroom. The intersection across standards identified strengths and gaps in preparation expectations, and recommendations for augmenting preparation to integrate AT are discussed. Using the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) as a framework, researchers analyzed the InTASC and 19 Specialized Professional Associations’ standards for instances where knowledge, skills, and dispositions about integrating technology aligned. The analysis identified only 52 of 572 standards related to technology integration. Alignment was present in key areas of the QIAT related to instruction such as collaboratively developing a plan, integration, shared responsibilities, and varied strategies. However, most points of alignment indicated only preparatory knowledge, skills, and dispositions, leaving educators lacking abilities to meaningfully integrate AT to meet learners’ varied needs. Implications and recommendations address this shortcoming in educator preparation expectations. By preparing educators to integrate AT, educators ensure educational equity for every student (Rose et al., 2005).

Teacher candidates’ views of future SSI instruction: a multiple case study

The instructional approach of incorporating socioscientific issues (SSI) into science teaching has been found to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills among K-12 students. Preparation for how to facilitate SSI in the classroom, however, is limited, resulting in very few classrooms across the United States providing opportunities for K-12 students to grapple with these real-world problems. In this manuscript we compare the integration of socioscientific issues (SSI) within two different undergraduate course contexts: a science methods course that is part of an elementary educator preparation program and a science content course designed for secondary future educators. Through this comparison we aim to provide science education researchers and science teacher educators with empirical support related to how the delivery of SSI influences elementary to secondary teacher candidates’ views of SSI as they relate to student engagement, teacher effectiveness, and curricula. Leveraging a mixed methods case study approach, data from each course context were collected through Likert-type surveys and open-ended responses. Findings suggest exposure to SSI pedagogies in science methods and content courses influence teacher candidates’ views in different ways and we must consider field and course-based work occurring simultaneously while teacher candidates are learning about SSI-based instruction. Implications for this are discussed.

Community of Inquiry: Designing Quality Online Instruction for Special Educator Preparation

Online education programs are on the rise and institutions of higher learning are utilizing Learning Management Systems (LMS) to facilitate online learning. The Community of Inquiry (CoI; Garrison et al., 1999) framework identifies three categories of cognitive presence, social presence, and teaching presence to guide the development of online instruction and has been adopted by numerous institutions of higher learning. This article identifies instructional strategies conducive to the design of online presence using the CoI framework to ensure quality learning experiences in online special educator preparation programs. We address some of the features of LMS system tools present in Canvas that are utilized by instructors when designing and implementing online instruction to include: communications, modules and assignments, collaboration, and grading.

The Texas A&M International University cultivating hispanic access success and mobility (CHASM) program: Building equity pathways for bridging community divides

ABSTRACT Teacher shortages represent a global challenge for educator preparation programs (EPPs) and the districts they serve. Using mixed methods approach to data collection and analysis, this paper presents the findings of the three cases involving the use of student data and partner voices to highlight the benefits of intentionally integrating the concepts of Improvement Sciences, Equitable Experiences, educator preparation learning communities, and the changemaker mindset in the design of initiatives for addressing local teacher shortages. Results provide a ground-up perspective on promising strategies for local EPPs and school districts seeking to create a sustainable pipeline of quality educators by focusing on expanding access, success, and mobility for non-traditional student teachers (teacher candidates).

Engaging in continuous improvement: implications for educator preparation programs and their mentors

This is a mixed method study in which I examined how one Educator Preparation Program designed and used an assessment tool to promote growth in their teacher candidates. The tool became central to the identity of the program and foundational to the work of the mentors. Data includes the statistical analysis of seven semesters of assessment data, along with qualitative interviews, recordings of mentor training sessions, three-way mentor conversations, and written materials. Research questions include: How do tools contribute to the identity of a program question? What value does using an internally-designed evaluation tool add to an educator preparation program? The findings indicate that the practice of the mentors became more developmentally-oriented over time. This suggests that engaging in the process of creating, adapting, and using an internally-designed instruments contributes to a shared identity that reflects the values of the program and provides direction to all.

Decentering Whiteness in Teacher Education Preparation Programs at Christian Universities

The teacher workforce in the United States is predominantly White, while the student population in public schools is increasingly diverse. This research paper delves into the crucial topic of decentering Whiteness in teacher education preparation programs (TPPs) at Christian universities. By exploring the implications of a predominantly White teaching force and of disparities in student achievement, this study emphasizes the need for greater diversity and inclusivity in teacher education. Drawing from a comprehensive literature review, this paper examines the historical context of the teacher workforce and the impact of desegregation on teacher representation. Furthermore, it explores how biases, prejudices, and privileges inherent in White-centered curricula and pedagogical approaches hinder the effective preparation of teachers to serve diverse student populations. The research highlights the importance of increasing diversity among teaching staff and teacher education candidates, as studies have shown that students benefit significantly from having teachers who share their racial and cultural backgrounds. To address these challenges, the paper explores several potential solutions, such as “grow your own” programs, which invest in and support non-licensed staff from diverse backgrounds, as well as mentorship initiatives and community outreach to foster connections with aspiring teachers of color. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the need to examine licensure standards and standardized testing as potential barriers for students of color entering the teaching profession. Advocating for higher base salaries for teachers, particularly in urban areas, is suggested to attract more diverse individuals to the teaching profession. The role of administration in the recruitment and retention of teachers of color is also emphasized, with a call to create positive and supportive school cultures that value the contributions of all teachers. Christian universities are urged to prioritize social justice issues, cultural diversity, and the amplification of culturally relevant pedagogy to create inclusive and welcoming environments for students of color. This study proposes that Christian universities must engage in critical self-reflection and dismantle White-centered structures and policies within their teacher education programs. By prioritizing diversity, cultural responsiveness, and equity, these institutions can better serve their diverse student populations and equip future educators to thrive in the diverse classrooms of the United States. The paper underscores the importance of these efforts to ensure that the teaching profession reflects the principles of equity and inclusivity that align with the teachings of the Christian faith and prepare educators to be transformative agents of change in the lives of their students.

A Meta-Synthesis of the Literature on Science & Engineering Teaching Self-Efficacy: Current Gaps and Future Research Directions

ABSTRACT Self-efficacy is a topic of great interest in elementary preservice and inservice teacher education given that elementary teachers often have low self-efficacy for STEM teaching. In this article, we synthesize the existing literature on science and engineering teaching self-efficacy to (1) explore trends in science and engineering teaching self-efficacy research, (2) identify current gaps that exist in the literature, and (3) propose a visual model to provide future direction in research. Utilizing a qualitative meta-synthesis, we analyzed 88 articles focused on science and engineering teaching self-efficacy. Of these articles, 66 studied preservice teachers, 21 studied inservice teachers, and one included both preservice and inservice teachers. Findings indicate that the diversity of teacher education programs, both across the United States and globally, offers a rich context for considering a range of programmatic features that impact elementary teachers’ science and engineering teaching self-efficacy. While efforts to increase self-efficacy span across preservice preparation courses and inservice professional development programs, details concerning the contexts in which science and engineering teaching self-efficacy develop are often limited, making it difficult to claim that gains in self-efficacy are lasting. Based on the meta-synthesis of the existing research findings and gaps in the literature, we offer recommendations to assist researchers and curriculum developers involved in preservice or inservice programs to address the persisting challenges related to science and engineering teaching self-efficacy. The implications for future research and practice in multiple contexts, such as educator preparation programs, teaching, and professional development that target increases in teacher self-efficacy, are discussed.

The effectiveness of the educational preparation program from the point of view of field training students specializing in social studies

IntroductionThe study aims to assess the students’ views in the field training about the educational preparation program in social studies at Qatar University. The research is grounded in the adult learning theory as it involves the adult learning behaviors toward an educator preparation program.MethodsPrimary quantitative research design is set up in the study to analyze the students’ views. Moreover, a questionnaire is administered to gauge the opinions on six dimensions relevant to the Educational Preparation Programs (EPP). Finally, a descriptive research approach is used where the responses from 239 males and females were both included in the study [Male = 41 (17.2%), Female = 198 (82.8%)] students teachers are analyzed. The researchers also used interviews with 30 female students to reach their opinion about the efficiency of the teacher preparation program that they studied for 4 years at the university.ResultsAccording to current study results, the demographic factors do not impact the views of the field-training students in the social studies about the EPP in Qatar University.DiscussionThe results raise the question of a potential that teachers’ self-efficacy and characteristics of EPP should be added in the dimensions for which the students’ views are gauged in future studies.

Urban Educator Preparation Program: Assessing Preservice Teachers’ Preparedness for Inclusive Education

Pre-service teacher perception of inclusive education plays a critical role in the field of K-12 education, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the best possible instruction in the least restrictive environment. This qualitative case study used one-to-one interviews and focus groups to gather data from 16 pre-service teachers enrolled in an Urban teacher preparation program in a major city in Texas, United States. The data analysis highlighted the pre-service teachers’ understanding of differentiation instruction for students with disabilities. Furthermore, the pre-service teachers felt positive about meeting the needs of the special education students in the general education classrooms. However, they expressed concerns related to limited coursework that helps them acquire teaching strategies to meet the needs of the special education students in the general education classrooms. The research findings offer valuable insights into the factors behind pre-service teachers’ perceptions of inclusion, underscoring the importance of coursework specifically targeting their preparedness for inclusive education.

Advancing Instructional Leadership: Instructional Coaching Skills Development Through Mixed Reality Experiences

Educational leadership preparation programs are tasked with advancing the development of future educational leaders’ instructional capacities, including the ability to engage teachers in instructional conversations through instructional coaching. The educational leadership program studied here includes a mixed reality experience designed to develop future educational leaders’ instructional coaching conversation skills. Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to examine future educational leaders’ perceptions of the development of instructional coaching conversation skills because of participation in the mixed reality experience. Findings indicated that, overall, participants held positive views of the mixed reality experience in supporting their development of instructional coaching conversation skills. Additionally, participants indicated development of other skills including, on-the-spot thinking, confidence, and reflection, among other skills. Results suggest that mixed reality experiences provide authentic, realistic learning opportunities to develop instructional leadership capacities.

Using Intercultural Sensitivity to Predict Culturally Responsive Classroom Management Self-Efficacy among Preservice Teachers

As student diversity increases, it is imperative that Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) prepare preservice teachers to manage these classrooms. Educators are expected to possess the skillset, experience, and confidence necessary to engage diverse students from varying cultural backgrounds. Thus, intercultural sensitivity is an important affective trait for teachers, however, the connection between intercultural sensitivity and self-efficacy for culturally responsive classroom management has not been well documented in the preservice teacher literature. In this study, one mid-southern university examined the relationship between preservice teachers’ perceptions of their intercultural sensitivity and their self-efficacy for tasks related to culturally responsive classroom management. Findings indicated that preservice teachers are confident in their ability to manage classrooms in a culturally responsive manner and that intercultural sensitivity significantly predicted and explained about a third of variance in culturally responsive classroom management self-efficacy. While EPPs could consider requiring coursework in cultural diversity and classroom management, the results of this study indicated that coursework alone was not enough to improve preservice teachers’ self-efficacy.

Building Resilience: Strategies to Combat Burnout and Attrition in New Special Education Teachers

This article presents an overview of literature on special education teacher burnout and attrition, which has historically been a significant challenge that culminates in a cycle of teacher shortages and subsequent negative outcomes for students with disabilities. As a proactive measure to combat special education teacher stress, burnout, and attrition within the first few years of service, the article presents a framework (addressed as SMIRC) centered on practical, tangible strategies to take directly to the classroom for teachers, administrators, and Educator Preparation Programs. Recommendations for practice are included as supportive, proactive strategies aimed at increasing special education teacher retention.

Building More Flexible Special Education Teachers: UDL Integration in a Dual-Licensure Program

In this article, we describe how our general and special education faculty collaborated to infuse the Universal Design for Learning framework into our special education preparation program, a dual-licensure special education and elementary education (K-6) undergraduate degree program. We describe the curriculum reform processes and outcomes of the UDL curriculum enhancement project, along with specific examples from multiple courses. Additionally, we highlight the need to continuously evaluate such efforts so that areas for improvement can be identified and addressed. For instance, we realized that our teacher candidates still needed more support to transfer what they learned about UDL from their coursework to their planning and practice in student teaching. In sum, we did not just create a plan, implement it, and consider it completed. We recognized a gap in the original plan, made improvements, and re-assessed, just as we would expect our teacher candidates to do when evaluating their own practice.

Book-Tasting Presentations within an Early Childhood Educator Preparation Program

Book-Tasting Presentations within an Early Childhood Educator Preparation Program

Creating personalized partnerships across diverse districts

PurposeThis work aligns with two of the following NAPDS Essentials: Clinical Preparation and Learning and Leading. The authors collaborated with district partners to determine how to best meet their needs. Additionally, our institution continues to develop a reciprocal relationship; pre-service teachers can hone skills during the clinical field experience, and the university will better support the professional development initiatives of districts with whom we partner. Clinical field assignments are designed with intentionality to align with the needs of our districts. Consequently, pre-service teachers will be better equipped to immerse themselves in the field experiences and effectively address the diverse needs of students. The authors will continue to engage our preservice and in-service teachers and personalize supports.Design/methodology/approachA needs assessment was conducted to determine the most appropriate supports for our district partners. A survey was disseminated, and individuals ranked their area for support. The authors followed up with in-service teachers and district leaders to discuss specific strategies that could strengthen academic achievement and social emotional development. Additionally, the data were used to determine how to better equip teacher candidates to serve in the partner districts.FindingsTwo programs that have been highly successful have been the Teacher Assistant to Teaching Professional program which is a specialized grow your own and bringing high school students to campus that are interested in becoming educators their junior year, lastly, the use of Mixed Reality Simulations to strengthen educator preparation. Creating diverse partnerships is not a one-size-fits-all approach in every district. Needs assessment and ongoing conversations are needed to ensure both the district and the Educator Preparation Program are able to support pre-service and in-service teachers along with the needs of PreK–12 students.Originality/valueThis paper highlights diverse approaches to strengthening partnerships and the teacher pipeline.

‘This is so white’: examining black and Brown pre-service teachers’ sense of belonging in a predominantly White educator preparation program

ABSTRACT Drawing from Critical Race and Latino Critical Race frameworks, this qualitative study aimed to examine the role of race in the experiences of pre-service teachers of color at a predominantly White institution. The participants identified factors impacting their sense of belonging, which included perceptions of others, self-perception compared to White peers, isolation, invisibility, and the emotional and academic tolls on them when navigating microaggressions. Implications from this study implore EPPs to consider the development of anti-racist policy and practice and intercultural proficiency development in all aspects of the training process, including curriculum, field experiences, and student teaching. Furthermore, to combat the mechanisms of internalized racism experienced by the participants, this study highlights the need to examine majoritarian views and internalized deficit thinking by engaging pre-service teachers in unpacking their experiences with racist schooling in both K–12 and teacher preparation.

Trauma and Rural Schooling

In order to develop a better understanding of the perceptions of educators regarding which forms of childhood trauma most severely impact learning outcomes for their students, this study employed Q-methodology with 351 teachers, school counselors, and school administrators from across North Carolina and Missouri. A four-factor solution emerged, centered around: (1) various forms of abuse from an adult (2) violent and unstable relationships at home (3) negative community and societal factors (4) physical and mental illness. Patterns in perceptions emerged across the school community setting (urban, suburban, rural) of the participants. While educators in rural settings were more likely to perceive abuse and violence in the home as most harmful to students’ academic outcomes, educators in suburban settings felt systemic community and societal traumas as well as physical and mental illness were more detrimental. The findings of this study provide researchers, educator preparation programs, and school leaders with insight into the misconceptions that may persist among subsets of PK-12 educators regarding traumatized children and potential areas of need for further professional training.

Using Mixed Reality to Support Inclusive Teaching Strategies in General and Special Education Preparation Programs

Preparing teacher candidates to provide learning strategies that support the differentiated needs of students should be at the forefront of all educator preparation programs (EPPs). Teacher candidates must become fluid in providing strategies that promote students’ individualized academic and social–emotional growth as well as strategies that support effective collaboration to enhance student productivity across the school environment. This pilot study explored the use of mixed reality (e.g., Mursion) as a tool to support pre-service general and special education teacher preparation and improvement of self-efficacy related to student engagement and instructional strategies. This study collected data on teacher candidates’ pre-/post-self-efficacy and participant self-reflections from an EPP in the United States. The results of this study yielded ideas as to how EPPs can better support teacher candidate preparation using a mixed-reality platform, as data revealed participant increase in self-efficacy and gains in the use of student engagement and instructional strategies that supported the use of evidence-based and high-leverage practices.