Preparing Pre-service Teachers to Support Children With Refugee Experiences

Within the Canadian context, there is limited understanding of the attitudes and perspectives of pre-service teachers' preparedness to support students with refugee experiences. Using a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach to pedagogy, this study documents the perspectives of 33 pre-service teachers on their preparation to teach students with refugee experiences in one teacher education program in Canada. Results demonstrate that although pre-service teachers recognize the needs of refugee students, they noted that they have few opportunities in their courses or practicums that address how to meet these needs. They identified training in trauma-informed practices, parent communication, and recognizing and understanding students with refugee experiences as gaps in their preparation.