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AEP Online |
Rep. Fattah Hosts Expert Education Panel at Annual Congressional Black CaucusHigh quality teachers are the single most important factor in whether kids succeed in school according to an expert panel hosted earlier this month by Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA). The panel, part of the Annual Congressional Black Caucus, was made up of seven prominent education figures and focused on solutions for recruiting and retaining teachers in high need schools. Kim Oliver, NEA teacher of the Year, sought to dispel the myth that "those who can’t do, teach." She cited the complexity of circumstances and commitment required to be truly successful as a teacher in an urban classroom. In her area, approximately 90% of students qualify for free and reduced meals, and another 70% are English language learners. Part of her solution is HEART: H - higher expectations for our children E - expertise on the children you serve A - ardor, a love and passion for what you do R - relationships with students, families and colleagues T - think outside of the box. According to former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise, now president of the Alliance for Excellent Education, the current teacher turnover rate is costing the US $2.2 billion a year. Wise believes that monitoring programs for new teachers will help keep them at their jobs longer. Cynthia Swann of the NEA focused on the need to improve teachers' salaries, and working conditions. Nicole Fulgham, Vice President for training and support for Teach for America, said she aggressively recruits high achievers at the nation’s colleges and universities explaining to students that teaching is a leadership opportunity out of undergraduate school that they might not find in other fields. Finally, Kathleen Fulton from the National Commission on Teaching and America’s future suggested that the concept of the stand-alone teacher needs to be put to rest. She believes that teachers must function as a team and suggested a residency model similar to that used by hospitals, where new teachers work alongside teams of experts and there is access to "clinical faculty" for ongoing support during the first few years. Overall, the speakers reflected the depth of knowledge and study being applied to the problem. There is likely to be more work on the issue during the NCLB reauthorization due to the Highly Qualified teacher requirements the law places on the states. Questions, ideas, or in need of more information? Please contact Stacey Pusey at 856-241-7772. |
For the most up-to-date information on NCLB reauthorization, visit AEP's Government Relations section on the web or the Commission on NCLB at the Aspen Institute |
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