A teacher's journey, which begins as a student, is transformative. Colleges of Education play a pivotal and urgent role in this journey, equipping aspiring educators with the skills, knowledge, and experiences to build successful careers and positively impact the world. This noble pursuit demands dedication and commitment, which deserves our respect, appreciation, and unwavering support.
Some have criticized Colleges of Education, and some state leaders have neglected them. Former Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn never tried to engage Colleges of Education. She had her agenda regarding teacher recruitment, and it was not built around strengthening Colleges of Education. It was also concerning that Governor Bill Lee did not address or defend the state's 80,000 teachers or teacher training programs after Hillsdale President Larry Arnn's derogatory remarks to mock teachers with education degrees.
The lack of respect for teachers cannot be tolerated. As someone who served my country in the United States Marine Corps and used the money I saved, along with veterans benefits, to attend college, I was offended on numerous levels. Like Veterans, being a teacher is more than just a job; it is a calling. Adults working to educate children are the backbone of any school or system.
Coupled with wanting to serve my community using my skills as an educator, I was one of the people targeted directly by Larry Arnn's vile comments. I could have chosen many professions, but I have never regretted teaching. As a former history and special ed teacher, academics have never taken a back seat. To their credit, many state leaders across both sides of the political aisle did rebuke Larry Arnn’s self-serving comments.
It's crucial to prioritize the pipeline for teachers and school leaders. In Tennessee, there is a pressing need for qualified professionals amid a national shortage in the education sector. A focused effort must be made to support the creation and retention of our educational workforce. The insufficient support provided to Colleges of Education is a concern we must urgently address.
Colleges of Education are crucial in empowering teachers and leaders to improve student outcomes. They play a foundational role in developing educators, addressing the national shortage of qualified professionals, and shaping the next generation of education leaders. Additionally, they promote innovative teaching methods and prepare students to be lifelong learners and active community members.
Colleges of Education must not just provide academic experiences but unique, rigorous, and learner-centered ones. This approach values students' potential and empowers them to achieve their fullest potential as lifelong learners, professionals, and engaged citizens.
There will always be detractors, specifically people who do not understand the mission and those who exploit the goals of Colleges of Education. They are, in fact, valid criticisms of Colleges of Education, from low graduation rates to political involvement. We need to examine teacher preparation regularly. EdTPA seems impersonal, costly, and subjective; it's a drain of time and doesn't predict good teaching. Our Praxis exams must be aligned with Tennessee Standards and cannot create barriers that prevent people from receiving their teaching licenses. Those may be issues in the next Tennessee General Assembly.
There is no denying that education continues to be the most powerful engine of economic opportunity and mobility. Education is needed for economic growth. Teachers are the most crucial classroom factor in a child's learning achievement, and colleges of Education prepare those teachers. So, Colleges of Education matter. That is something even a politician can understand.
JC Bowman
Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee