Reaching them early: Identifying and supporting prospective teachers

A group of students planning to become teachers at Montclair State University (MSU) in New Jersey were provided with a supportive community through the transition to college in the hope of increasing their retention in teacher education. The elements of their course found to be particularly important were the development of a sense of belonging in the university, the building up of their self-confidence and the focus on teaching and learning and becoming teachers.