Readiness to teach geography: perspectives of graduate teachers

Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs aim to ensure graduate teachers are ready to teach with the knowledge and skills expected of them when they enter the classroom. As tertiary educators in ITE courses/degrees, we have heard the deep concerns of future geography teachers about their own uncertainties regarding their readiness to teach the subject. Often these teachers have expressed doubt of their own capabilities after close review of the curriculum and syllabus, where it becomes apparent that there is an expectation that geography teachers have the skills to teach their future students how to use and understand geographical tools. This presentation overviews the reflections of recent graduate teachers on their own abilities (or lack thereof) to teach geographical skills and design lessons using geographical tools. These reflections stem from research recently conducted with graduate primary and secondary teachers (specialised in Geography) who provide insight on their own feelings and uncertainties while preparing to teach geography. In addition, this presentation reflects on the ways in which the teachers engaged in different forms of professional development needed to overcome these uncertainties. The aim of this ongoing research is to illuminate the needs of future geography teachers with the hope to inform curriculum design in ITE programs at the tertiary level.