Successful Teaching Careers: Empowering Non-Traditional Candidates

Successful Teaching Careers: Empowering Non-Traditional Candidates

Author: Ethical Schools December 11, 2024 Duration: 26:26

We speak with Dr. Kathryn Spence, Director of the School of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, about actualizing a focus on social justice and equity. She discusses strategies for broadening the pipeline of teachers, especially teachers of color, including career ladders and “Grow Your Own” programs. Dr. Spence describes how FDU makes teacher ed financially feasible for students as well as what makes teachers stay in or leave schools.  



Overview

00:00-00:40 Intros

00:40-04:08 How Dr. Spence’s experience shapes her approach to teacher ed

04:08-06:25 How research has shaped her leadership

06:25-07:36 Why teachers stay or leave schools or the field

07:36-09:25 Recruiting pre-service teachers, especially teachers of color

09:25-10:44 Career ladders in NJ

10:44-12:35 Making teacher ed financially feasible for students

12:35-14:20 Providing moral support to teacher ed students

14:20-15:28 Impact on schools of residential segregation in NJ

15:28-18:40 Serving Latine students

18:40-20:48 Pushback to the focus on social justice?

20:48-22:20 Change process at FDU’s program

22:20-25:03 Looking forward to having bilingual courses

25:03- Outro

Transcript


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

Ethical Schools
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