Journaling as a Reflective Tool in a Rural Teacher Residency Experience

Reflection is necessary for teachers to review and adjust their practice. Journaling is a learned skill and can become a viable reflective practice during teachers’ preparation. In this qualitative study, researchers examined the reflective journaling endeavors of one HBCU’s Rural Teacher Residency Program during the participants’ rural residency experience. Findings center around the participants’ positive experiences, areas of continued improvement, work-life balance, and professional development, all of which highlight the participants’ successes and stressors of their residency experiences.