Certification Reform.

Overview & Synopsis

Two major problems of state certification of teachers are decline in the quality of teacher candidates and the inability of qualified applicants to be certified without majoring in education. With improved knowledge about how good teachers teach and what is essential for beginning teachers to know, teacher education programs are likely to remain the primary route to a teaching career. However, it is reasonable to explore alternative routes to teacher certification. Prospective teachers without education degrees could be certified after successfully completing subject matter tests, a year-long district-based internship, and evening and/or summer school education coursework. Districts might choose to hire only graduates of teacher education programs or might consider implementing the alternative scheme. Providing an alternative way of certifying teachers will help attain the goal of placing the best teachers before students. (RH)