Efficacy for Teaching Elementary Science and Mathematics Compared to Other Content

The study was conducted to examine preservice, elementary teachers' efficacy for teaching science and mathematics as compared with other elementary content. The instrument assessed efficacy for teaching (EFT) five elementary content areas: science, mathematics, reading, classroom management, and general instruction. Three hundred twenty‐five preservice, elementary teachers completed a 15‐item instrument assessing efficacy for teaching in these five areas. The instrument was found to be valid and reliable. Overall group results indicated participants' EFT science and mathematics were lower than for teaching other areas. Intra‐individual patterns showed there were six clusters including a group with low EFT mathematics and a group with low EFT mathematics and science. Implications for preservice, teacher preparation opportunities and experiences are discussed.