Douglas B. Larkin

Douglas B. Larkin is a Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Montclair State University's College for Education and Engaged Learning. His office is located in University Hall 3171, and he can be reached at larkind@montclair.edu. Dr. Larkin leads significant research initiatives focused on science teacher retention and equity in education.

Dr. Larkin's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Teacher Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2010)

Dr. Larkin's research focuses on strengthening structures that support equitable and effective secondary science education. His work addresses four thematic strands: equity and justice-centered high school science teaching; science teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention; school science departments as sites for science education reform; and antiracist teacher preparation. His research is driven by a desire to address how many reform efforts concerning equity often bypass secondary school teachers.

Dr. Larkin's recent publications reveal consistent focus on science teacher retention across multiple contexts and states. His work employs both quantitative analysis of state staffing data and qualitative case studies of high-retention school districts. The research shows particular attention to the retention of teachers of color and teachers in high-need schools, with implications for mentoring and induction programs nationwide.

Dr. Larkin currently serves as Principal Investigator for two major NSF-funded initiatives:

• IMPREST Noyce Track 4 research grant examining the retention of novice science teachers (co-PI Dr. Sandra Adams)
• Noyce Track 1 undergraduate scholarship grant (co-PI Dr. Mika Munakata)

Dr. Larkin has advised numerous graduate students through his research projects and has mentored science teachers through the Noyce Scholarship Program. His IMPREST research team includes faculty, staff, and students from both The College of Science & Mathematics and The College for Education and Engaged Learning at Montclair State University.

Dr. Larkin leads the IMPREST (Induction and Mentoring Programs for the Retention of Science Teachers) research team, which investigates factors influencing 5-year science teacher retention rates across four U.S. states. The project involves case studies in New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to identify best practices in mentoring and induction programs.