Community colleges are creating new and more flexible pathways to becoming second-career teachers. That’s good news for prospective encore teachers who balk at the requirements of traditional teaching colleges, many of which require four years of full-time study even for those who already have a college degree.

Four-year teaching institutions are still the norm for most, but more alternative pathways to teacher certification are popping up around the country. Many are run by community colleges. These alternative programs often move candidates into their own classrooms after a shorter period of training while continuing studies on nights and weekends. Many pack other benefits as well, such as increased flexibility.

Two interesting and important reports hit the education news this week, highlighting the role that school design and teachers’ attitudes play in producing better outcomes for students.

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.

Are you an experienced executive with a passion for educating urban youth? OR do you know someone who is? Check out the Broad Academy’s prestigious 10-month training program.

An op-ed in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer suggests that the “graying” of America can help provide the support students need in the early grades to reach high school graduation. Co-authored by the executive director of Philadelphia’s Experience Corps and the Pennsylvania state director for AARP, the op-ed states: