“Arizona needs more teachers badly. So badly, it seems, that the state is no longer requiring some educators to have a bachelor’s degree before they enter the classroom—merely that they be working toward one.” (Credit: Nadia Tamez-Robledo – EdSurge)
Teacher shortage is a real issue nationally and states are going to continually be faced with finding rapid solutions.
If you are looking for an expert to discuss trends in K-12 education, please consider Dr. Patricia (Pat) Tate, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Pedagogy at the George Washington University. Dr. Tate is a former president of the Association of Teacher Educators.
Dr. Tate believes that we are facing a very complicated scene at the state levels right now for how they are addressing these shortages. Success will depend on how a school system supports and develops their novice teachers to allow time for them to engage in the deeper learning required to meet the needs of diverse students in today's schools.
Dr. Tate added:
“The education community in its entirety needs to find ways to address the teacher shortage. The teacher education community needs to work in tandem with schools and states to provide the support novices must have to be successful in the classroom. However, this decision, on the surface, goes against what is known about standards-based teacher preparation; it goes against what all professionals are expected to have - a license and credential to practice that assures the public of good and ethical practice.
That is where the teacher education community would argue that this decision represents a discounting of the teaching profession. It represents to the public a view that anyone can teach and that there are no requirements or standards that should guide who gets to teach and who should not be teachers. It will be hit or miss at best. Some individuals may naturally know how to do the right thing in teaching youth; and others may rely on how they were taught with the belief that this is the right way to teach.
Is one approach better than another? That is the question that defies a straight answer. It depends on the individuals who are mentoring and supporting the novices stepping into teaching.”
If you are looking for further context on this matter or would like to speak with Professor Tate, please contact GW Media Relations at [email protected].