Listening to Future Teachers: Dr. David Wolff, Dr. Scott Klimek, and Recent Graduate Elizabeth Dale Publish Research on Preservice Teacher Priorities
Dr. David Wolff and Dr. Scott Klimek, Assistant Professors of Elementary Inclusive Education in The Nibbe School of Teaching and Learning at Minnesota State University Moorhead, collaborated with recent graduate Ms. Elizabeth Dale to investigate the educational topics that preservice teachers consider most important and urgent as they prepare to enter the teaching profession. Their study, Listening to Learn: Preservice Teachers’ Voice on What Matters Most in Their University Preparation Programs, emphasizes the importance of seeking and valuing teacher candidate perspectives when evaluating and strengthening teacher preparation programs.
The researchers found that listening to future educators provides valuable insight into the realities they anticipate facing in today’s schools and classrooms. By examining the issues that candidates view as most critical to their success, teacher education programs can better align coursework, field experiences, and support systems to meet emerging professional needs. The findings reinforce the value of continuous program improvement efforts informed by those preparing to enter the profession.
Through research such as this, the Nibbe School of Teaching and Learning demonstrates its commitment to preparing highly capable, reflective, and resilient educators. By placing teacher candidate voices at the center of program development and decision-making, the university continues to strengthen its mission of preparing educators who are ready to make meaningful contributions in schools and communities throughout the region.
The study was published in the Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning.