Tapping Potential: Community College Students and America's Teacher Recruitment Challenge.

This report describes findings from a study that identified promising policies and practices used by community college teacher education programs nationwide. Researchers focused on six public, urban, and community college programs that: had a significant percentage of students of color; had transfer rates higher than the national average; offered programs that provided students with course work, experiences, and support introducing them to teaching; and were close to four-year partner institutions. Researchers examined programs and practices, program materials, and relevant literature. They visited each site and conducted interviews and focus groups with program directors students, faculty members, administrators, and alumni from the community college and four-year transferring institution. They also visited field experience sites, observed teacher preparation classes, and participated in other related activities. Finally, they gathered information about policies and practices in all 50 states. Results found clear evidence that, with certain program elements in place, community colleges can play a central role in the development of a diverse pool of prospective teachers with the potential to help meet the needs of urban classrooms. Recommendations for two-year and four-year colleges, grantmakers, and local, state, and federal policymakers are included. Highlights from each of the six programs are presented. (SM)