Urban immersion: Working to dispel the myths of urban schools and preparing teachers to work with diverse and economically disadvantaged students

Authors

Connie Schaffer, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 2012

Journal Title

The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin

Volume

73

Issue

2

First Page

42

Last Page

49

Abstract

This descriptive research investigated the impact of a unique program that partnered an urban K-12 school district and an urban university. The goals of the program were to dispel common misperceptions of urban K-12 schools and to prepare preservice teachers to teach in diverse school settings. The program provided an authentic teaching experience for 35 preservice teachers, completely immersing them and their university instructors in urban schools, working and learning side-by-side with the K-12 teachers and students. Initial results indicated the program was successful in achieving its goals. The program assisted in reframing how preservice teachers perceived urban teaching opportunities and the challenges of teaching and learning in urban school environments, as well as increasing their confidence for teaching in urban schools. The program shows promise as a way to address the urgent challenge of recruiting effective teachers to teach in urban settings.

Comments

© Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin

Recommended Citation

Schaffer, Connie, "Urban immersion: Working to dispel the myths of urban schools and preparing teachers to work with diverse and economically disadvantaged students" (2012). Teacher Education Faculty Publications. 69.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/tedfacpub/69