Title: Should Entrance Requirements to Teacher Education Programs be Raised?
Mollie Miller, FEA student president and college freshman pursuing a career as an elementary or middle school math teacher, argues that entrance requirements for teacher prep programs should not be raised; teacher preparation programs are what should be more rigorous in her estimation. Read Mollie's commentary.
Jalen Brown, FEA student vice president and college freshman pursuing a career as a middle school social studies and language arts, disagrees with Mollie Miller and takes the stand that raising entrance standards will provide evidence of how well we value our education system, while our colleges will only be training those candidates who chose education as their first choice and not as a fall back option. Read Jalen's commentary.
Read their commentaries in the January/February 2014 edition of GO TEACH, pp. 14 -15. Then voice your stand based on the following question:
Q. What do you see as the benefits or drawbacks of raising academic requirements for teacher candidates?
- Be sure you discuss both benefits and drawbacks clearly. Avoid sounding wishy-washy or vague.
- Provide your own support. Yes, this will require some research. You might begin by looking at the teacher preparation requirements for the college that you are planning on attending. Be sure to discuss them in your blog.
- Discuss how entrance requirements may affect your personal journey toward becoming a teacher.
- With whom do you agree - Mollie or Jalen? Be clear with your stance.
Need more background? Watch this video featuring Michael Alfano, Dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies at Central Connecticut State University for a broader understanding of teacher education preparation.
