Teacher Education: A Call for Reform.

Overview & Synopsis

Issues needing improvement in teacher preparation and the teaching profession are examined, and suggestions are made for reform. The paper represents an eclectic view of teacher education based on various resources, including: teacher preparation questionnaires, coursework, recommendations from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, dialogue and interviews with students and professors, government reports, and state reform movements. Topics discussed include the present status of preservice education, professional development programs, and calls for reform. A model is proposed for the preparation and continued education of teachers, encompassing the stages of undergraduate work, internships, graduate study, classroom teaching, master teachers, and school-based staff developers. The paper concludes that the success of this attempt for reform depends upon commitment from those involved with teacher education. References and a descriptive bibliography are included. (CB)