Chapter 25: How Do Intentions to Teach Relate to Recruitment and Retention of Uteach Program Candidates?

We analyzed survey and enrollment data from 7 UTeach partners to examine differences in student demographics, enrollment, and perceptions of financial incentives, the program, and teaching as a profession. Two types of students were examined: G1, who enter the program intending to teach, and G2, who enter with no intentions to teach. Approximately 40% of UTeach students enter as G2 students and 30% of G2 students are retained after Step 1. A greater proportion of G2 students are Asian and major in the sciences, computer science, and engineering. By the time students have completed Project-Based Instruction, there is no significant difference between G1 and G2 students. The majority of students report that financial incentives are important and rate the program positively. UTeach students have concerns about making a career of teaching and these concerns increased over time.