Educate Texas’ Teacher Preparation Collaborative Makes Recommendations
EVERY AUGUST, MORE THAN 27,000 FIRST-YEAR teachers enter classrooms all over Texas. While Texas leads the nation in the number of ways to become certified as an educator, our current state system of teacher preparation has not guaranteed that new teachers will be well-prepared by the time that they reach the classroom. In 2016, Educate Texas, an initiative of CFT, convened the Texas Teacher Preparation Collaborative (TTPC). The TTPC is composed of a diverse cross section of traditional and alternative certification providers, district officials, teachers, and engaged educator preparation organizations to address key elements of a strong education system — the preparation and support of capable, effective, and excellent teachers.
“We know that the single most important school-based factor affecting student success is the teacher, yet many are entering the classroom woefully unprepared,” said John Fitzpatrick, executive director of Educate Texas. “The Collaborative’s mission was to dig deep into this complicated matter and determine what can be done to train, support, and lift up these new teachers during their crucial early years of instruction. Building confidence as well as leadership and instruction skills should make an immediate, measurable difference in the classroom and likely boost teacher retention.” The Collaborative made three recommendations on ways to better train and support in Texas (at right). For more information on the Texas Teacher Preparation Collaborative’s recommendations or to follow the legislative journey, visit EDTX.org.