Samantha Clarke
Timeline of Teachers Preparation
Teachers, the backbone of any nation is a commonly discussed issue in the world today. Many controversies have arrived over the years pertaining to many areas of the teaching field; some of which are but not limited to salary, professionalism and the process of educating or training teachers. Upon reading this article you will become aware of the evolution of the teacher preparation programs from colonial times to present. In addition to this, there will be a discussion on the reform efforts of the 1980’s and the controversial role of Teach for America (TFA) in the preparation of teachers.
The teaching profession has evolved formally since the late mid nineteenth century. Even today there are controversial issues arguing its professionalism. Before the 1980’s teaching have been seen as a temporary job, and is often done by indentured servants paying for passage to America and only workers in academics and Latin grammar got some college education more so in Europe than America. Knowledge of teaching skills were never a pre-requisite to become a teacher.
After little succession in the classroom education sank and hence the quest for ways to improve teaching skills. By the 1923 Reverend Samuel Hall came up with a more professional approach for training teachers. This gave way to the establishment of the Normal School, the first teacher education school in America. Following this, Horace Mann established the first state recognized school in America. This provide a two year training in academic subjects and teaching methodology. As the years went by, the need for more well trained teachers arrived and Normal school increases the number of years for teaching programs. By this time teaching institution became popular and more institutions such as colleges and universities started offering teaching programs and many others.
Even though Colleges and Universities were offering teaching programs, there were alternative route to the field. This was done through students seeking licensure through structured apprenticeship; a supported movement by Teach for America (TFA). Many influential individuals thought that this was not a professional approach and that teachers demand adequate training to be competent in teaching in the present society. How can one shape the society for a better tomorrow with out being competent in what they do? Students need a firm foundation in the early stages of their lives because this is what will help shape them for the future ahead.
Teach for America might help to fill a gap in the areas where there is a shortage of teachers but what about the damage the might potentially cause. For example, how will a teacher with relate to cultural issues and differences in the classroom if they were not thought how to. Until recently, I was ignorant to the fact that trained teachers are a necessity. I thought that by knowing a subject area would be good enough to become a Elementary Teacher. Through reading, I discovered a whole different point of view to the profession.
Like any profession teachers should receive adequate training in order to become competent teachers of tomorrow. An understanding however by society, will to clarify such a need. Many are negative towards teachers and their competence but a thorough look is need on the evolution of teachers. Then the long cherished perception about teacher may be clarified.
