Governor’s Commission on Training America’s Teachers EPLC Conference Presentation March 13, 2006

Organization Appointed by Governor Rendell in August 40 members Chaired by Dick Kneedler 3 staff members Meets monthly (October-May) 4 regional meetings

Commission Members HE deans and presidents PK-12 teachers and administrators Parents, business and community leaders 4 Legislators

Commission Goals Assure world class preservice teacher education Link preservice and continuing professional education Address need for quality teachers in shortage areas (subjects and districts) Capitalize on “over-supply”

Work to Date 5 Commission meetings 4 regional meetings Research on the goals distributed prior to each Commission meeting After school teleconference for teachers Surveys of superintendents (35%) and deans (53%) Website:

Work to Date – Key Meetings AACTE and PACTE MARPT INTASC CIC NAICU Arthur Levine Savannah-Chatham County Schools Fulton County Schools Ohio Department of Education Ohio Board of Regents Ohio Educational Standards Board Pennsylvania Business Roundtable Workforce Investment Board

Work Scheduled Survey of classroom teachers Discussions with major recruiters of Pennsylvania teachers 3 remaining Commission meetings

Emerging Themes/Ideas Connect preservice with the first few years of teaching Foster partnerships between PK-12 and teacher education institutions Address urban staffing problems Diversity

Emerging Themes/Ideas Shortage areas Exporting teachers to other states Specialized expertise National accreditation

Connect Preservice and Early Teaching Academic content, pedagogy, clinical experience in preservice Induction 24 credits for Instructional II Support for new teachers

PK-12/Higher Education Partnerships Faculty in PK-12 schools Joint appointments of PK-12 teachers Improved clinical placements Professional development schools

Address Urban Staffing Problems Recruitment Retention and school environment issues No consequences for teachers who do not honor commitments

Diversity Of students Of PK-12 teachers  Pipeline issues  Recruitment and support  Retention

Shortage Areas Urban, rural Science, math, languages, special education Pipeline issues – recruitment, advising, incentives Retention issues – induction, professional development, workplace quality

Exporting Teachers Realize economic advantages of preparing teachers for other states Assure we meet Pennsylvania’s needs

Specialized Expertise No institution can be excellent at everything Develop specialized expertise related to pipeline issues to share with other institutions

National Accreditation Should it be required? Should it be offered as an alternative to PDE program approval?

Governor’s Commission on Training America’s Teachers Robert E. Feir Executive Director 2986 North Second Street Harrisburg, PA /