No Teacher Left Behind
EDU650: Teaching Learning and Leading in the 21st Century
How would you suggest we, as a nation, provide consistent learning opportunities for teachers and ensure that they are not left behind in learning about new techniques and strategies?
It is important as a teacher to not only have the passion to want to teach but be educated and certified to teach. This would include regular trainings during the summer and throughout the year to be refreshed on new teaching styles, different behavioral issues, disabilities, best classroom practices and even those practices that did not work well. Teachers also need to feel they are being supported in their teaching styles.
Should all teachers across the country use certain practices? If so, what would those be?
All teachers across the country should have moral and ethical practices when it comes to teaching. They should have the willingness to learn new skills in order to stay ahead and on top of the educational needs of the students they teach on a daily basis.
Should there be a consistent standard for all teachers to meet, just as students must pass high stakes tests? If so, what would be the standard?
Yes, there should be a consistent standard teachers should meet. It is about being accountable to one another and to themselves. Teachers should want to excel to the next level by meeting or exceeded expectations. Goals are set for students and expected to be met, teachers should be no different.
Lastly, share your thoughts on how well teachers are being prepared to master the ISTE Standards for Teachers standards in their classrooms.
All teachers should be meeting the ISTE Standards in order to be effective teachers. The tools are presented to help them implement and enrich the learning process in their classrooms and with each of their students. It is also good for their professional development by creating positive models. Teachers are being prepared but unfortunately, in a lot of schools they have a script to follow and the skills taught are not being maximized.
References
International Society for Technology in Education. ISTE Standards Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-T_PDF.pdf
Newman, R. (2013). Teaching and learning in the 21st century: Connecting the dots. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.