Options for Teacher Certification

Will a teacher “residency” replace the traditional “student teaching”?

When participants in the PDK/GALLUP Education Poll were asked, “In your opinion, how much time should a person who is preparing to become a teacher spend practicing teaching under the guidance of a certified teacher before assuming responsibility for his or her own class: Six weeks, six months, one year, or two years?”:

44% nationwide said one year,

43% of public school parents said one year,

43% of Republicans said one year,

44% of Democrats said one year, and

44% of Independents said one year.

The uniformity of that answer across demographic groups is extraordinary.

Nationwide, 27% said two years and 23% said six months. (Table 4 of Part II – pg. 51)

William J. Bushaw (chief executive officer of PDK International) put it this way:

“In the September 2014 issue of Kappan magazine, Ron Thorpe, president and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, thoughtfully outlined his ideas for a teacher residency (“Residency: Can it transform teaching the way it did medicine?”, p. 30). He proposed establishing a one-year residency program for new teachers in the U.S. Such residencies would replace student teaching and provide a more supportive and comprehensive ramp before a new teacher takes full responsibility for his or her classroom.” (pg. 52)

IMPORTANT NOTE: In Washington state, one year residencies (known as internships) have been available as an option for more than three decades. Once again, Washington leads.

Bushaw goes on to say about National Board Certification for teachers:

“National board certification for teachers is already available, and over 100,000 educators have met the demanding requirements to be a National Board Certified Teacher. This program requires applicants to demonstrate their teaching knowledge and skills and has served the profession well. It is currently under an important redesign that will make it even better in the future.” (PG. 52)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Washington state leads the nation in percapita number of National Board Certified teachers. Once again, Washington leads.

Ken Mortland

Member – Mainstream Republicans of Washington Board

Vice President - WEA-Retired

Charter Member - NEA Republican Leaders Conference