Last evening's class focused on Perkins Legislation. Many of you shared
thoughts of how teacher recruitment and teacher retention could use
improvement in the CTE area. Please be creative and think and write
about what you think would be a good process to improve teacher
retention in CTE. If you had the Perkins money to spend in this area,
what would you do?
While I was not able to attend class last night due to an Open House at work, I can understand the idea that retention should be considered in the CTE field. As a new teacher, coming in from another field, and not being train in education I think more consideration should be given to initial teacher training and mentoring. While I had an unofficial mentor, I think that increased supervision (and stipends for the participating mentors) and a more hands on mentor is crucial. Using Perkins money to help teachers get their initial certification would be good too, as professionals (who already have a degree in their field and debt related to that), may be reluctant to take the financial risk associated with getting another certificate.
I think that increased training in the field is also a good idea to improve retention. If teachers feel more confident and current in their field (content knowledge wise) this might improve retention because teachers are happy, and feel on the cusp of what is new.
Brandon, you expressed the sentiment of most of the teachers on the call last night, and I even noted training along with a mentor program in my post prior to commenting on yours. It appears that many of us are on the same page when it comes down to what we feel that we need to succeed and more importantly to help our students succeed. I believe that if we all keep singing the same song, someone is bound to start playing our music.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts regarding retention of teachers in the CTAE area. Working in Public Education is different from working in other educational environments. I find working in the field I am engaged in, additional training is essential. In this type of class environment is very important, plus having backup to stay current with new teaching ideas. Classroom Management Training is essential, many students come into class with an “attitude”. Using Perkins money to encourage teachers to continue and/or add to their own education would help many teachers pursue additional education in the area they teach. I agree financial risks are truly a problem area. Many teachers, now have college bound youth and find it difficult to increase their own educational debt. This money to help teachers with their continuing education would certainly help in the area of retention.
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