Elementary education major, DeAnte Spann participates in the Regional Educational Lab Southeast’s Research Alliance
DeAnte’ V. Spann, a senior elementary education major at Alcorn State University, recently attended the Regional Educational Lab Southeast’s Research Alliance meeting held at the central office of the Yazoo City School District in Mississippi.
Spann was one of three panelists of undergraduate teacher education majors that answered questions regarding recruiting and retention of teachers, future plans within the profession of education, the teacher interview process, and standardized testing. The panelists also had a chance to explain to the room full of educators what they look for when selecting a school/school district.
“Participating in this dialogue session provided me an opportunity to meet and network with experienced educators,” said Spann. “We learned more about state policy on education, consequences of inattention to equity, issues and concerns within high-poverty schools, boosting teaching quality by improving poor working environments, retention of beginning teachers, teacher efficacy as a path to student and school success, and so much more.”
Administrators and teachers shared their viewpoints on topics related to recruitment and explained what some districts provide their teachers with and what they do to improve academic achievement.
“Among other things, we looked closely at the factors that contribute to beginning teachers leaving the profession and transferring to other schools. I obtained a lot of valuable information and ideas that I hope to use in my research I will be doing this summer at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign.”
According to Spann, he also plans to share the information received with other prospective educators at Alcorn and other colleagues who are interested in creating the change that is needed in the world today.
