Date of Award

Fall 12-14-2024

Thesis Access

Open Access Honors Thesis

Thesis Location

Honors College Thesis

Degree Name

B.S.

Department

Elementary Education

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Roland Sintos Coloma

Abstract

This thesis explores and investigates the effectiveness of teacher pathway programs for high school students interested in education. The aim is to find and discuss the importance of teacher pathway programs and how they benefit the participants involved. This paper intertwines my analysis of the extant scholarly literature and my use of qualitative research methods during my immersion in two summer programs. Through participant observations and a survey, I gained insights into the participants’ perspectives that provided me with raw, unbiased views and opinions on the teacher pathway program. Student participants’ perspectives include the experiences they faced during the program, the benefits they received, and reflections on how the program impacted them as aspiring educators. The major themes from my research on participants reveal how the programs succeeded in benefiting the participants in multiple ways, including becoming prepared for college life/experiences, gaining a boost of confidence towards teaching, learning teaching skills/tools, and opening doors of opportunities. Additionally, participant observation from Next Gen Teachers Programs reveals how the teaching experience, participant reflections, and final presentations shaped participants’ perspectives on a teaching career and becoming a teacher. Within the analyzed questionnaires, participants expressed how Next Gen Teachers Programs positively impacted their view on teaching and provided benefits. Overall, this thesis displays how these programs are influential in growing passion and confidence in teaching and giving opportunities for high school students to see and feel what a teaching career entails.

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