Empowering Our Educators

JUNE 2019 | EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM

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EMPOWERING OUR EDUCATORS

Craig Robinson

Find out how the star of “The Office” went from the classroom to the comedy stage

Explore the benefits of connecting with your child’s teachers Discover what we can do to give educators a better path to success

Want to Empower Educators?

Give Them a Fair Chance at the Start Developing comprehensive support and preparation for teaching students is vital to securing the future of education.

hen we think about empowering teachers, we envision ways to give them more autonomy, resources, and support.

While these things are important, they largely ignore what teachers need and want themost: better training before they start teaching.

My organization, the National Council on Teacher Quality, just released some fairly distressing findings that provide more evidence that a majority of the 1,400 colleges and universities in this country that claim to prepare teachers are failing to do the job.

A rising concern It turns out that a majority of elementary teacher candidates

cation, only 38 perstruggle to qualify cent of black teacher for their state’s candidates and 57 teaching license — percent of Hispanic after having spent teacher candidates lots of tuition dolpass the most widely lars and four years used licensing test, in college to purKate Walsh even after multisue the dream of President, ple attempts. Our becoming a teacher.

NCTQ nation’s schools, More elementary desperate to hire candidates fail (56 more teachers of color, lose out percent) than pass their licenssimply because institutions ing test on their first attempt. aren’t attending to basic prepaThis lies in stark comparison ration in math, English, social to other professions, such as studies, and science — the founnursing, where only 15 percent dational subjects of the elemenfail their licensing exam on the tary curriculum. first try.

More discouraging is the fact Prioritizing education curriculum that candidates of color are There is a simple solution. Instihit the hardest. Already more tutions need to do a much better likely to be disadvantaged by an job making sure teacher candiinequitable system of K-12 edu-

dates don’t take just any science or history course, but the courses that are most relevant to the topics required for elementary teaching. Rather than taking a course on the sexual revolution, candidates might take a course on the American Revolution.

Low pass rates on many licensing tests have fueled a backlash in many states against the tests themselves, with calls to discard the tests or make them easier.

But these responses elide the central problem that these tests only diagnose. When a university admits a student into its teaching program, it needs to provide reasonable assurance of success.

If we truly want an empowered, diverse, and effective teacher workforce, we have got to focus on improving teacher preparation. n

Publisher Stephanie Sherman Business Developer Mac Harris Managing Director Luciana Olson Designers Tiffany Pryor, Marie Coons Copy Editor Travis Atwell Director of Sales Shannon Ruggiero Director of Business Development Jourdan Snyder Director of Product Faye Godfrey Lead Editor Mina Fanous Production Manager Josh Rosman Content Strategist Vanessa Rodriguez Cover Photo Courtesy of FOX All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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Investing in Educators’ Long-Term Success University-based induction programs are partnering with local schools to o�fer ongoing support for educators throughout their careers.

4 Ways to Build E�fective Partnerships With Your Child’s Teachers Make a stronger impact on your child’s education by connecting, engaging, and supporting their educators.

As parents, we are essential partners in our child’s education, from the time they first enter school through their academic career.

We know our children better than anyone else, and we can provide their teachers with important information, perspective, and insight.

When you share information about your child’s daily life — their language and culture, their strengths and weaknesses — you help their teachers get to know them as individuals. This information empowers your child’s teachers to adapt lessons to meet their needs.

During these conversations, it is also important to ask about what your child is learning in the classroom and how you can support them at home. The work that you do at home to reinforce what your child is learning in the classroom has a big

academic impact. When you stay connected with your child’s teachers, it builds a relationship where you, your child, and their teachers benefit. Here are four ways you can partner with your child’s teachers to support your child’s and their teachers’ success: 1. Plan your communication During your initial meeting, discuss how you and your child’s teachers will communicate throughout the year — in frequency and in format. Encourage teachers to reach out to you and contact them whenever you have questions, concerns, or even exciting news.

2. Set goals Ask teachers about learning goals for the school year, how your child is doing relative to those goals, and how you can support your child in achieving these goals.

3. Always stay informed Look in your child’s bac pack every day, and frequently

view the parent portal for assignments, grades, and important information from teachers and school administrators.

4. Actively participate It can be something simple like reading books to the class or helping with special events or projects. This not only supports teachers, it also gives you a deeper understanding of what goes on in your child’s school.

When you partner with your child’s teachers in their learning, you empower teachers to give their best to your child to help them grow and thrive.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, the first week of May, we honor teachers and thank them for their hard work and the pivotal role they play in our children’s lives and long-term success.

But remember, every day is an opportunity to appreciate and support teachers! n James L. Accomando, President, National PTA

Effective educators are developed, not born. Their preparation begins in colleges and schools of education and persists through the professional development during their careers. As the needs of student learners evolve, so too must our development of educators.

Giving educators the resources they need In recent years, colleges of education across the nation have developed university-based induction programs to build bridges in partnership with local schools to help educators make effective transitions from college students to classroom professionals.

Their goal is to grow the comprehensive capacity of new educators by helping them create a solid, professional foundation using emotional support, instructional coaching, and leadership development.

Data shows that induction programs help to increase teacher job satisfaction and efficacy and decrease job stress.

In North Carolina, the state-funded New Teacher Support Program involves nine universities and 53 school districts that provide induction support. Based at East Carolina University, the statewide program aims to meet the needs of individual teachers in their local context. And at Colorado State University, the School Leadership Institute was created to support principals in their critical first few years on the job.

Developing future leaders in education The rise of university and school district induction partnerships across the country demonstrates how ongoing support programs are mutually beneficial for both novice and expert educators. University-based educators continuously improve their preparation programs with information provided by school district partners regarding the local challenges educators face.

Lynn M. Gangone, Ed.D, President and CEO, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) MEDIAPLANET • 3

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Long before he played Darryl Philbin, the quick-witted Dunder-Mifflin employee on “The Office,” Robinson was a K-8 music teacher.

His mother, also a music teacher, inspired him to teach.

“My mother was the greatest example of an incredible teacher,” says Robinson, 47, who saw the impact his mother and other teachers have on students.

“I remember one student told me, ‘I wish your mom was my mom.’

People love her.”

The “Hot Tub Time Machine” actor taught in the Chicago Public School System right after college. He earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois State 4 • EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM

University and his master’s in education from St. Xavier University.

“I started out thinking I’ll be a teacher, and then comedy kind of took over,” says Robinson, who later joined The Second City theatre.

Career change His love of comedy drew him to pursue a new career path.

“I felt like my calling was to do comedy,” he says, explaining it was difficult to leave the security of teaching and the bond with students behind.

Still, Robinson’s passion for music continues. In fact, whenever you see him playing piano in commercials and episodes

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“Teachers should be paid like professional athletes…”

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Comedian, Actor, and Musician Craig Robinson Stands up for Teachers

You have to be genuine and disciplined in your art.”

His former students often connect with him on social media.

“It’s shocking to have that impact as well,” he says. “People reach out and say that you inspired them. They remembered the class.” Looking back on his time as a teacher and his early TV career, he wouldn’t change a thing.

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of “The Office,” that’s really him. Now the stand-up comedian, who lives in Los Angeles, travels the country headlining venues and festivals where he combines his comedy and piano skills in both solo acts and with his band, The Nasty Delicious.

He and his band are working on an upcoming album.

Master class He credits his teaching career with preparing him for comedy and acting.

“Stand in front of a bunch of kids,” he says. “Kids demand the truth, they demand discipline, and those are two things that carried me through and transferred from the classroom to standup.

“I’m one of those people who believes that everything has happened to lead me to this moment,” he says. “For instance, there were some shows I auditioned for that I didn’t get. But if I did get that show, I wouldn’t have been able to be on ‘The Office.’”

Teacher appreciation An advocate for educators, Robinson wants teachers to be appreciated and well-compensated.

He knows they often have to buy their own supplies and even buy lunch for their students.

“Teachers should be paid like professional athletes,” says the actor, who recently did a fundraiser for music in Chicago Public Schools. “They really have the most important, sacred job: to shape the minds of the youth.”

He has this message for teachers: “Absolutely thank you. Thank you for your patience and your passion to bring kids up right.” n Kristen Castillo

How Technological Change Is Impacting Education Nearly half of educators say they feel they haven’t received the training they need to teach with technology in the classroom.

Technology is transforming our lives and our schools. Last year, we reached a landmark with 98 percent of classrooms connected to the internet.

I’ve long believed that technology is one of the most powerful tools to improve learning and close equity gaps in education. According to a report from Common Sense Media, 96 per-

cent of teachers believe educational technology increases student engagement in learning. But just putting tech in school doesn’t make much of a difference.

The real difference comes from preparing teachers to use technology in ways that improves learning and empowers students. The Common Sense Media report also reveals that 43 percent of teachers say they haven’t received the training they need to use technology effectively in the classroom.

Providing the right resources The focus must be on showing teachers how to redesign learning experiences to help kids become empowered learners, global collaborators, and contributing digital citizens. That’s why it’s a critical time for education organizations to work together to close this gap.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE.org) is taking several initiatives to make a difference.

ISTE has created a certification program with

our network of partner organizations to help prepare in-service teachers to use technology effectively. This is the first national-level, vendor-neutral tech certification for teachers.

Collaboration outside the classroom Additionally, we’re partnering with employers to better understand the tech skills students will need in their future jobs.

Through a collaboration with General Motors, ISTE has created new professional development

resources to close the gap on what educators need to know about artificial intelligence.

Finally, we’re collaborating with education experts to bring teachers bite-size professional development on topics like personalized learning, digital citizenship, and computational thinking via our ISTE online professional learning hub.

There’s more to be done, and it starts by asking the right questions.

Are teachers getting professional development on how to use the devices provided? How are they supported in the selection of apps and tools?

If you’re a teacher, get started by learning more about the standards for learning and teaching in a digital world. n Richard Culatta, CEO, ISTE

TO YOUR CLASSROOM Create digital books with your students.

You’ll be amazed at how engaged they are.

bookcreator.com

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Students Need Teachers Who Meet Their Unique Needs Young children are shown to bene�ıt when their teachers have specialized preparation in early childhood education.

Children’s early care and educational experiences have a distinct and long-lasting impact on their development, learning, and well-being. Positive experiences in high-quality early education programs contribute to later academic success, positive attitudes toward school, and children’s perceptions of themselves as competent learners. Extensive

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research substantiates the rapid and significant brain development occurring during these early years and provides evidence that a child’s first teachers have a powerful influence on all areas of their development.

Excellent early childhood educators understand that young children have a different way of thinking, communicating, and behaving compared to older children. Research suggests that the beginning of a child’s education is a strong predictor of their future success.

Required knowledge These teachers must possess specialized knowledge of child development and have the ability to employ teaching strategies that are effective with this age group.

For example, teachers of young children must do the following: • Understand and apply the knowledge that young children learn best when they have secure and nurturing relationships with their teachers • Support young children’s social and emotional developments, helping them acquire skills

necessary to develop positive interpersonal relationships and to see themselves as competent and worthy beings • Develop partnerships with families that recognize their strengths, respecting them as their child’s most knowledgeable and valuable teachers • Understand how to support the developing reading, writing, and communication skills of young children, including the unique characteristics of dual-language learners • Recognize when children may need additional learning or behavioral support and make appropriate referrals so they can experience the benefits of early intervention Advocates of early childhood education must insist on specialized preparation for teachers of young children. Parents must demand that their young children be taught by qualified early childhood teachers. Colleges and universities must deliver teacher-preparation programs that specialize in early childhood education. State licensing bodies must require that teachers of young children have specialized preparation. Finally, school leaders must only hire teachers specifically prepared to teach young children. It’s what our children need and deserve. n Angela C. Baum, President, National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators

An Inside Look at the Evolving Career of a Teacher SPONSORED

Careers in teaching are always evolving. Continual developments in technology, learning styles, and professional development are enhancing teachers’ careers and helping them meet the changing needs of their students.

And the teaching profession continues to grow, especially in specialized areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of early childhood education teachers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.* That projected growth is due to the ongoing focus on the importance of early childhood education. To be successful, it’s important for educators to graduate from universities with leading education programs.

“Receiving a quality education from a credible institution can make a huge difference in increased student achievement,” says Dr. Heather Welzant, dean of the School of Education at Capella University, an accredited online university with more than 39,000 students.

Fortunately, today there are a variety of learning environments for teachers looking to enhance their skills and further their education. For example, Capella offers its degrees online and

focuses on adult learners looking to maximize their learning in ways that fit their busy lives.

The Capella EdD program is a practitioner-focused doctorate program designed to help teachers become leaders in education.

Twelve years ago, Dr. Welzant earned her doctorate in education from Capella. “That degree launched me into academic leadership roles that I never could have imagined,” she says. “It opened doors that I didn’t even know were possible.”

“A decade ago, the focus was on educating everyone the same way — a one-size-fits-all approach.

But now it’s about equity and individualization, educating students via the different ways that work best for them. This new personalized, yet standards-based, approach meets students where they are and helps them learn material efficiently and effectively,” says Stephanie S. Johnson, EdD, deputy superintendent of the division of school and district effectiveness for the Georgia Department of Education, and a Capella University alum. “We are seeing education revolutionized.”

She continues, “Educators have expanded instructional practices to engage and increase student learning with innovative tools and technologies rather than utilizing traditional instructional practices. For example, instead of telling students to all read the same text, teachers are finding multiple texts or interactive lessons on the same topic that cater to the different interests and needs of students.”

Preparing teachers Becoming a great teacher doesn’t just happen. It takes a foundation of excellent education, but it also requires support and encouragement from veteran teachers who have experienced what life as a teacher is really like. For those interested in a career in teaching, or who want to take their teaching career to the next level, it is important to find a mentor, to connect with more experienced educators who can help define the path forward.

In her 24-year career, Dr. Johnson has been a teacher, a counselor, principal, and now, deputy superintendent. She’s also a mother whose daughter is now teaching, too. She has a vested interest in helping all teachers succeed.

“One of my greatest passions has been around preparing teachers, specifically determining how to meet them where they are, filling in any gaps, and providing resources, support, and professional development,” says Dr. Johnson.

She recently spoke at a legislative conference where one of the topics was teacher burnout. “Teachers often feel overwhelmed,” she says. “We want to remove barriers that lead to burnout and help teachers experience the rewards of a productive career in education. That happens through building a community of support.”

Professional development Learning never stops, and teachers in particular need to be

continually investing in their professional development. Dr. Welzant pinpoints the following four trends in professional development for educators: group learning for teachers; building relationships and a healthy culture; cultivating teachers as leaders; and the use of multi-delivery methods to help educators learn when, and how, it’s convenient — including working on projects as a team or taking courses online.

She also says technology has transformed education and encourages all teachers to develop their digital skills. Still, even with tech’s influence, she says human interaction between students and teachers is essential. Soft skills such as communication, leadership, collaboration, and problem solving are essential for teachers.

Dr. Welzant concludes by advising teachers to be self-motivated about learning. “You can’t have a successful career in education without being committed to educating yourself,” she says.

“You’ve got to be practicing lifelong learning.” n Kristen Castillo

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Preschool Teachers, on the Internet at https:// www.bls.gov/ (visited May 20, 2019).

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree fıeld, affect career outcomes, and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.

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