Are Teachers Qualified?

Education Teachers An advocacy group says many teachers especially in high-poverty areas may not have correct college majors or adequate certification.

by The Associated Press

Published: Tue, November 25, 2008 - 10:02 am CST Last Updated: Tue, November 25, 2008 - 10:12 am CST

WASHINGTON (AP) - How can students learn math, when the teacher
doesn't know much more about the subject than the pupils? That's
one of the questions raised by a new report by a children's
advocacy group, the Education Trust.
The report is based on Education Department data. It says in
high-poverty schools, two in five math classes have teachers
without a college major or certification in math.
And in schools with a greater share of African-American and
Latino children, nearly one in three math classes is taught by such
a teacher.
Math is considered a "gateway" course, one that leads to
greater success in college and the workplace. The crucial learning
time for students is in grades 5 through 8.
Researchers acknowledge it can be tougher to find qualified
teachers for middle schools, especially in low-income areas.

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seebiscuit Says:

Tue, Nov 25, 2008 at 6:02 pm

It is sad that are teachers spend hundreds of dollars to go to college.To take a degree to teach our children.Then have to worry about if they are going to receive a pay check.I understand the no child left behind act but I also see were Washington needs to be held accountable for our teachers pay as well.If you want these teachers to be “certified” in the field they are teaching then Washington needs to put more money in the teachers pockets.AND NO; I AM NOT A TEACHER..

southfan1981 Says:

Tue, Nov 25, 2008 at 11:15 am

And the ugly truth comes out. These kids are lucky their teachers have college degrees let alone coursework in 300-400 level classes. 2001, the entire state of Texas had 7K teachers who were not certified to teach. Some did not even have college degrees. That was seven THOUSAND. So, do you understand what HIGHLY QUALIFIED MEANS? It is basically 4 college courses in the subject area. Is that adequate? Ask your child’s biology teacher what level of coursework they completed. Personally, I do not think 4 classes in life sciences or Fundamentals of Chemistry provides an adequate foundation for teaching.