PROTEACH: A Program for the Preparation of Professional Teachers.

Overview & Synopsis

Because of the greater demands placed on teachers today, the faculty of the College of Education at the University of Florida has developed a new teacher preparation program. It is not built upon the existing program, but upon a reconceptualization of what a beginning teacher should know, should be able to do, and should be, as a model for youth. The PROTEACH program will require five years of study. Features that distinguish PROTEACH from other programs include: (1) an increase in academic subject matter; (2) utilization, through attention to research, of the best available information about effective teachers' knowledge, skills, and personal attributes; (3) expanded foundational studies; (4) expanded clinical and laboratory experiences; (5) utilization of best available instructional procedures; (6) maintenance of integrity within the program; and (7) recruitment of high quality students. PROTEACH is an extended program, approximately 32 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. PROTEACH program descriptions for elementary/early childhood teachers, secondary education teachers, and special education teachers are included. (JM)