Journal of Educational Leadership in Action
Abstract
Principals want to hire the most qualified teacher when positions are open at their schools. Oftentimes a preservice teacher, who recently earned their teaching certificate is their first choice. The purpose of this research was to look at the satisfaction level of elementary, middle-level, and high school principals who hired graduates from a local teacher preparation program at a nationally accredited 4-year baccalaureate-granting university in Leeward O‘ahu. The methodology utilized in the study includes four individual face-to-face interviews. Questions were asked to determine 1) desired qualities principals look for when hiring a new teacher and 2) what a local teacher preparation program does well to prepare future teachers to have a positive impact on student learning. The findings suggest that principals were highly satisfied with local graduates because they demonstrate life-long learning, leadership skills, technology skills, connect with diverse student populations, and are part of the community. In this study, the local teacher preparation program is meeting the expectations of principals. Nevertheless, further investigations into this research are important to understand more about the rationale principals use to hire new teachers.
Recommended Citation
James, Laurie; Mahaiko, Joy; and Schwartz, Jonathan
(2020)
"Why Principals Hire Recent Graduates from a Teacher Preparation Program,"
Journal of Educational Leadership in Action: Vol. 7:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62608/2164-1102.1003
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/ela/vol7/iss1/4
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Comments
Dr. Laurie James is an Assistant Professor of Math Education at the University of Hawai’i – West O‘ahu and has been a professional educator serving diverse student populations for over 25 years. She teaches mathematics courses for the Education Division and is one of the organizers of the Math Teachers’ Circle Hawaiʻi (MaTCH) group that meets monthly to solve mathematical problems to anticipate where their students might struggle with mathematical concepts. Her research interest focuses on interactive math games in grades K-6, the integration of technology into mathematics lessons, STEM education, and environmental education that creates lasting change.
Dr. Joy Mahiko is an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawai’i – West O‘ahu. Her research interests include rural special education and quality teacher preparation.
Dr. Jonathan Schwartz is an Associate Professor in the Division of Education at the University of Hawai’i – West O’ahu. He teaches courses in Reading and Language Arts and coordinates data collection for accreditation. His research interests include technology, assessment, and one-to-one computer in public schools.