Retraining professionals as STEM teachers: the potential and the challenges

Ainat Guberman, Gal Ben-Yehudah, Rinat Arviv-Elyashiv

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Israel suffers from a severe STEM teacher shortage. To mitigate it, two retraining projects were developed: one recruiting academic high-tech professionals and the other–practical engineers. This study evaluated both projects by exploring stakeholders’ perspectives and examining graduates’ retention. Applying a mixed-methods case study design, interviews were conducted with 35 graduates, 21 programme leaders and 6 school principals. Short demographic surveys were answered by 584 academic professionals and 356 practical engineers, and another 57 practical engineers answered a longer evaluation survey. The study found retention rates of 78% for academic professionals and 62% for practical engineers. To improve retention, both cohorts need better preparation in pedagogy, stronger support at school, higher wages and efficient administrative care. To realise their potential contribution, professional autonomy and principal’s support are necessary.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Teacher Education
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Association for Teacher Education in Europe.

Keywords

  • retraining programmes
  • STEM teachers
  • teacher education programmes
  • Teacher shortage

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