Teacher Candidates' Perceptions of Preparedness of Teaching Students Who Experience Trauma

Uludag University, Education Faculty, Department of Educational Sciences. Bursa, Turkey. e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.jtee.org; Web site: https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/jtee

Y

19

Trauma; Preservice Teachers; Preservice Teacher Education; Early Childhood Education; Young Children; Student Needs; Seminars; Undergraduate Students; Student Attitudes; Readiness; Self Efficacy; Classroom Techniques; Public Colleges; School Personnel; Cooperation

2147-0456

Within a Clinical Model of teacher preparation, teacher candidates spend sustained time in classrooms, where they are inevitably exposed to children who experience trauma. Educators need to be prepared to support such learners. This qualitative study analyzed two surveys from 15 early childhood teacher candidates to understand their perceived preparedness to support children who experience trauma. Results indicate that teacher candidates feel "somewhat" prepared to support children who experience trauma, but feel as though they need more education, training, and experience. Teacher candidates are concerned about not having the appropriate and effective support and strategies to support all children in the classroom equitably. Respondents believe a seminar of school support personnel is beneficial to their preparation and recognized the value of collaborating with school-support colleagues. Implications point to the need for teacher education programs to require coursework and opportunities for teacher candidates to learn about the biology of trauma and how trauma can impact behavior and functioning. Teacher education programs should embed trauma-sensitive education throughout program experiences.

As Provided

2021

EJ1310243