But the largest component of the "teacher shortage" is created by the teacher's unions, not a lack of funding. An example. A few weeks ago I received an (unsolicited) offer to teach history at a very, very elite American private high school. I had to turn it down, unfortunately. This school, however, is so academically successful that it has an average SAT score in excess of 1500 - and admissions are need blind, with full financial aid for any admitted student. Their teachers are, obviously, very well qualified. Practically of them, however, could teach
I assume this is "Practically none of them"
in a conventional public school. Why? Because teacher's unions have created a set of artificial hurdles that have no relevance for teaching skill - taking "education" courses for certification. Just about every education researcher of whom I am aware agrees that these courses teach nothing useful.
Cite, please? I personally know a few education researchers, all of whom are also either current or past editors of various education journals, and all of whom have held various offices on statewide and/or national levels of various education associations. All of them believe very strongly in the utility of education courses for certification.
Of course, my and their area of expertise is primarily in music education so there might be some differences there, but I'd still be very interested in seeing a cite on that one.
Reggie Bautista
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