Equity from a Vocational Teacher Educator's Perspective. Research and Development Series No. 214Q.

Overview & Synopsis

Vocational teacher educators need to take an active role in the move toward ensuring equity in vocational education. Tradition appears to be the major obstacle to achievement of sex equity in vocational occupations, and the workrole perception of vocational teachers, teacher educators, vocational guidance counselors, and administrators has likewise been molded by the sex role traditions of society. Race and ethnic discrimination is more subtle. Grossly unequal enrollments continue in vocational programs, and this can only lead to prepetuation and prolongation of inequity in employment for women, the handicapped, and minorities. Some strategies that have been used to promote equity in vocational programs include sensitivity workshops or activities; interdisciplinary teams; using sound research relating to equity concerns and problems that pertain to vocational education, occupational equity, and employment opportunities to modify teacher education programs; redesign of teacher education programs; and selective recruitment for equity. Vocational teacher educators can become involved in some activities to facilitate sex equity, including infusing equity awareness activities into courses, encouraging students from nontraditional backgrounds to enter graduate vocational education programs, helping nontraditional students, encouraging research, and cooperating with administrators and guidance counselors in developing sex equity strategies. (YLB)