This brief from EdPrepLab and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) describes how UDC prepares teacher candidates to teach and remain in the local school system by recruiting local candidates and centering race, class, and culture in preparation courses. UDC's strategies include implementing research-based instructional practices and empowering candidates to address the needs of students and communities in DC through advocacy. Candidates engage in reflective practices to address biases, enhancing their preparedness and effectiveness. The authors explain how this approach not only improves retention rates but also ensures that aspiring teachers can steward the opportunities in today’s diverse classrooms. 

Citation

Burtin, A. S., Graves, K. D., and Yun, C. (2024). Grow Your Own: Preparing Teacher Candidates to Teach and Stay in Local Schools. [Brief]. EdPrepLab.