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The Challenges of Recruiting and Retaining Dual Language Teachers

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Dual Language Education: Teaching and Leading in Two Languages

Part of the book series: Language Policy ((LAPO,volume 18))

Abstract

Across the United States, the popularity of dual language education (DLE) has grown considerably over the past several decades, but finding qualified bilingual teachers to staff these programs is an ongoing issue for administrators. Using the Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education as a framework, this chapter addresses this urgent issue by exploring dual language teacher recruitment and retention through the experiences and recommendations of teachers and administrators in Connecticut. Findings address participants’ perceptions of teacher recruitment and retention, staff selection, workplace climate, and staff evaluation. Cross-cutting themes include the value of shared responsibility and shared decision-making in addressing this complex issue, the need for creativity and flexibility to increase pathways to certification for dual language teachers, and the importance of positive working conditions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA

    Elizabeth Howard

  2. Department of Special Education, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, USA

    Angela M. López-Velásquez

Authors
  1. Elizabeth Howard
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  2. Angela M. López-Velásquez
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth Howard .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Leadership & Policy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

    David E. DeMatthews

  2. Department of Teacher Education, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA

    Elena Izquierdo

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Howard, E., López-Velásquez, A.M. (2019). The Challenges of Recruiting and Retaining Dual Language Teachers. In: DeMatthews, D.E., Izquierdo, E. (eds) Dual Language Education: Teaching and Leading in Two Languages. Language Policy, vol 18. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-10831-1_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-10831-1_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-10830-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-10831-1

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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