Recruiting Black Biology Majors into STEM Education Careers: Journeys to Success

This book explores strategies for recruiting and retaining STEM teachers,using the Transformative and Innovative Practices in STEM Education (TIPS) program as a case study. It emphasizes the importance of recruiting STEM teachers of color for urban districts,the role of culture and identity in the decision-making process,and the need for professional development and mentoring.

Format: Hardback
Length: 8 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate aspects of STEM teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention, with a specific focus on recruitment. It explores innovative strategies employed to attract biology majors to the teaching profession, cultivate their interest in teaching, and facilitate their seamless transition into the field. Through a case study of the Transformative and Innovative Practices in STEM Education (TIPS) program, the authors draw upon a diverse range of data sources, including participant reflections, surveys, focus groups, and annual interviews, to provide a rich contextualization of the program's experiences. The authors offer insightful perspectives on their decision-making processes and utilize the data to illustrate compelling examples of STEM majors of color who choose to pursue teaching, as well as to investigate the factors that influence others to opt out of teaching.

The book underscores the critical importance of recruiting STEM teachers of color for urban districts, recognizing the role of culture and identity in the decision-making process. It also highlights the significance of professional development and mentoring in supporting STEM majors as they navigate the transition into teacher education. With a particular emphasis on recruiting STEM majors at Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI), the book offers practical strategies for fostering collaboration across departments, providing comprehensive support and mentorship to students, and addressing cultural and institutional barriers that STEM majors encounter during this transition.

This book appeals to a wide audience, including STEM education and teacher education scholars, program directors, deans of Schools of Education, and deans of Schools of Science. Its insights and recommendations will contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance the recruitment, preparation, and retention of STEM teachers, ultimately benefiting the students and communities they serve.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032539492