Susan V. Bennett

Effective Facets of a Field Experience That Contributed to Eight Preservice Teachers’ Developing Understandings About Culturally Responsive Teaching

I investigated eight preservice teachers’ understandings about culturally responsive pedagogy as they tutored children in writing from different ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds in an afterschool program at a local community center. I utilized an embedded case study and chose constant comparison, within-case analysis and cross-case analysis. I recommend effective aspects of the field experience, which facilitated preservice teachers’ development of deeper understandings about culturally responsive pedagogy: one-on-one student teacher interaction and scaffolding critical reflection.

Influences of the heart: novice and experienced teachers remaining in the field

The authors conducted a phenomenological inquiry that described factors that influenced two novice and two experienced teachers’ decisions to remain in the teaching field. These teachers taught in both Title I and non-Title I elementary schools, and their teaching experiences ranged from four months to 38 years. Data for this research included individual interviews with each of the participants, and the authors utilized taxonomic and domain analysis. The experienced teachers indicated that the relationships with their students and teaching as a ‘calling’ were significant factors in the longevity of their careers. In schools nationwide, educators are leaving the classrooms due to the increased pressures related to standardized testing, detailed record-keeping requirements, and fidelity checks. Further research is needed to understand how to best support and mentor teachers.