Posted 10/22/2009 - 12:17:58pm by MichelleHynes in Encores for Education & Youth
Recruiting, retaining, and rewarding quality teachers -- especially for high-need schools and subjects -- are critical topics in education today. Boomer retirements are often cited as one reason our nation needs to pay attention to teacher supply, and Michelle Obama's recent essay in US News and World Report is no exception. What's new and exciting, though, is the First Lady's recognition that Boomers can also be part of the solution. "We need to encourage more experienced professionals to consider teaching as the next chapter in their careers," she states.
As the Obama administration develops the nationwide Teacher Recruitment Program that the First Lady mentions in her essay, what are some strategies that will encourage Boomers and other experienced professionals to join the next generation of teachers? What can we learn from existing models, and what new ideas would you propose?
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Boomers are part of the solution
I was just thrilled to read Michelle Obama's recognition that Boomers are part of the solution to our need for talented, hands on teachers. Just this year, EnCorps attracted over 1100 retirees and rewirees to start the process of becoming a math or science teacher.
The desire to change the world and the ability to change it for the better only increases with experience. Fingers crossed that First Lady Obama's remarks are only the first to recognize the valuable role that Boomers have to play in radically improving our education system!
Mrs. Obama's comments
First Lady Michelle Obama is absolutely right when she says "We need passionate, talented, committed men and women to step up and devote themselves to preparing our students to succeed in this new century."
But we don't need a new search for these men and women - many are already working hard in our schools, and others are eager for Encore careers in education - what we need to do is create teams in schools so that new and veteran teachers, prospective teachers, and Encore careerists can together leverage resources, support and learn from each other, and accomplish more together than they would alone.
We know collaboration reduces new teacher attrition and increases professional satisfaction, and every sector other than education recognizes the strengths and benefits of teamwork. Encore careerists can be a critical resource! Teams of people from many generations with an array of talents and experiences will strengthen the teaching profession, improve student achievement, and encourage shared accountability.