As a member of the
Teacher Vacancy Task Force's (TVTF) working group, Improving Teacher Preparation, our charge was to identify methods that would yield better prepared teachers for Texas' students. One consistent theme discussed in our working group's meetings was "Improve alternative certification pathway, particularly for candidates in teacher-of-record roles."
We have to do something to change the ways in which alternatively certified teachers are prepared and supported throughout their internship experiences because I want to retain a teacher for the next 30 years rather than hiring a new teacher each year for the next 30 years. If alternative certification programs will focus on partnering with our school districts to employ targeted support methods, I believe we will begin to see retention rates increase. I also believe by having an intern that is fully supported, through this partnership in both content and pedagogy, we will begin to see an increase in student achievement across Texas.
During my meetings with Teach Us Texas, I have had the opportunity to learn about the program, their targeted preparation and support methods, and their willingness and excitement to truly partner with Texas' school districts. I trust their methods and partnerships will help improve the alternative certification pathway in Texas."
