Open AccessSeeking the Elusive Fit: What Do Educational Leaders Look for When Hiring New Teachers for First Nations Schools?
Author(s) -
Jerome Cranston
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
in education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1927-6117
DOI - 10.37119/ojs2014.v19i3.132
Subject(s) - indigenous , perception , qualitative research , political science , selection (genetic algorithm) , pedagogy , sociology , psychology , mathematics education , medical education , social science , medicine , ecology , neuroscience , artificial intelligence , computer science , biology
This article reports on the preliminary findings of a qualitative research study that explored the perceptions of five directors of education in Manitoba’s First Nations’ educational authorities as they assess prospective teachers for fit for both their schools and their local communities. The findings of this study illustrate that in order to meet the challenges of teaching effectively in First Nations’ schools, those responsible for hiring teachers want to find candidates who (a) contribute to the establishment of a new culture of teaching in the schools, (b) form respectful relationships with students and other members of the particular First Nation community, (c) possess a worldview that is commensurate with those held by First Nations peoples, and (d) are competent to teach academic subjects and also support students’ development as Indigenous youth. I conclude with recommendations that can support the preparation of a greater number of prospective teachers capable of teaching effectively in First Nation schools. Keywords: First Nations education; Teacher recruitment and selection; educational leadership