Teacher-preparation programs provide
educators-to-be with the tools, mentors, and hands-on experience they'll need
once they begin their career.
Great
teachers help create great students. In fact, research shows that an inspiring
and informed teacher is the most important school-related factor influencing
student achievement, so it is critical to pay close attention to how we train
and support both new and experienced educators.
Teacher Preparation
The
best teacher-preparation programs emphasize subject-matter mastery and provide
many opportunities for student teachers to spend time in real classrooms under
the supervision of an experienced mentor. Just as professionals in medicine,
architecture, and law have opportunities to learn through examining case
studies, learning best practices, and participating in internships, exemplary
teacher-preparation programs allow teacher candidates the time to apply their
learning of theory in the context of teaching in a real classroom.
Many
colleges and universities are revamping their education schools to include an
emphasis on content knowledge, increased use of educational technologies,
creation of professional-development schools, and innovative training programs
aimed at career switchers and students who prefer to earn a degree online.
Teacher-Induction Programs
Support
for beginning teachers is often uneven and inadequate. Even if well prepared,
new teachers often are assigned to the most challenging schools and classes
with little supervision and support. Nearly half of all teachers leave the
profession in their first five years, so more attention must be paid to
providing them with early and adequate support, especially if they are assigned
to demanding school environments.
Mentoring
and coaching from veteran colleagues is critical to the successful development
of a new teacher. Great induction programs create opportunities for novice
teachers to learn from best practices and analyze and reflect on their
teaching.
Ongoing Professional Development
It
is critical for veteran teachers to have ongoing and regular opportunities to
learn from each other. Ongoing professional development keeps teachers
up-to-date on new research on how children learn, emerging technology tools for
the classroom, new curriculum resources, and more. The best professional
development is ongoing, experiential, collaborative, and connected to and
derived from working with students and understanding their culture. Return to
our Teacher Development
page to learn more.
Source: Edutopia
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