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This discussion explores the pivotal role of higher education in improving the quality and quantity of teachers in Texas. Topics include teacher recruitment, retention strategies, and innovation in teacher preparation, with a focus on collaboration between institutions and school districts.
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Enhancing the Number and Quality of Texas’ Teachers: The Role of Higher Education THECB Discussion July 19, 2007 Doug Palmer, Dean College of Education and Human Development Texas A&M University
Providing a context….. • Teacher knowledge and skills make a difference • Continued concern for availability of quality teachers despite…. • Multiple pathways for entry to profession • Knowledge of quality teacher preparation (a controversial conclusion) • Numerous state and national initiatives • Improved collaboration between IHE’s and LEA’s • Teacher Expertise, “Highly Qualified” Teachers, and Teacher Accountability • Teacher need and “Demand-Degradable Standards”
Moving beyond hand wringing: THECB and Improving the Teaching Workforce • Enhancing recruitment of talented teacher candidates • Retaining effective teachers • Promoting quality teacher preparation initiatives in higher education
Recruiting Talented Teacher Candidates • University student debt and career decision-making • Funding for loan forgiveness program for preparation of teachers • State programs to provide incentives for students in high need teaching areas
Retaining Effective Teachers • Career Ladder: Money is important, but role differentiation is essential – Development of graduate programs to support career development • Higher education vouchers or grants for effective teachers to pursue advanced training and graduate degrees • Incentive funding for IHE’s with programs demonstrating high retention rates and…. • Support for school leadership preparation
Promoting Quality Higher Education Teacher Preparation Initiatives • Moving beyond TExES testing • Adjusting CIPP code funding for programs with intensive field-based teacher preparation • Provide incentive support for innovative teacher preparation initiatives
A concluding reflection… • THECB can play an important leadership role in supporting IHE’s effort to: • Recruit, retain, and prepare a quality teacher workforce for Texas • Support strategic, coordinated efforts to address the need for quality teachers