Chapter 13 Notes

Enrollment in teacher education programs: there are 200,000 teachers prepared each year. Only 60 percent actually enter the classroom. About 30-40 percent leave within the first five years
Geographical location: Teachers tend to be more “place bound” than any other professional due to families.
Subject matter and grade levels taught: teachers are prepared for different specialities. Schools are also seeking male and minority teachers. Because most teachers are females, schools want to increase the number of males especially in the elementary level.
The job prospects for future teachers is promising. Because student enrollment is slowly increasing. which more jobs for teachers.

The severe shortage of minority teachers: The minority school age students is increasing rapidly while the number of minority teachers is decreasing. These students represent 43 percent of of all students enrolled in public schools. The shortage of minority teachers is problematic for several reasons. First: minority children deserve to have positive minority role models who can help guide them in a world still plagued with racism. Second: white children need to have minority teachers as role models to help them overcome the effects of stereotyping and racism. Third: it is important for the United States well being to have a teaching staff that reflects the diversity of racial and ethnic backgrounds in its population. Fourth: Minority teachers are needed to serve as cultural brokers who can help students navigate their school environment and culture. Jaime Escalante was used a an example.

Employers beside the public schools: U.S. Government: Department of Defense, salaries are comparable to those of the United States. Preference is given to applicants who have at least one year of successful full-time employment as a professional educator.
private Schools: These teachers usually chose to teach in private school due to their religious motives. Private school teachers a paid less than those of public schools. For many teachers the lower salaries tend to be offset by favorable working conditions, for example, fewer classroom control problems, stricter discipline and less students on drugs and parents who are more supportive.

What are teachers paid: For most teacher, satisfaction comes from being a service to others rather than the monetary side of teaching. The salary of a classroom teacher estimated $50,816 which has increased since 1990’s. Most public school salary schedules are usually determined by two factors. First: by the years of teaching and second by the amount of education, usually expressed in terms of college credit hours or advanced degree. Each school district determines what it will pay it’s teachers. Generally, large and middle sized school districts pay better than small ones and urban suburban districts pay better than rural ones.
How do you obtain a teaching position? first by being determined to campaign actively for a teaching position. Job seekers often make two common mistakes. First: they try on strategy, wait for results whether positve or negative and then try something else. Second: job seekers block themselves out at the wrong stage in the process. Prospective teachers need to get a resume ready, credentials and transcripts.
Teachers are using a teaching portfolio to display the products of their work, resume, transcripts and so forth. A credential file: includes letters of recommendation, copy of transcripts and resume.

Gain experience through substitute teaching: many education students develop valuable teaching skills through substituting. It can also offer a competitive advantage in the job market. Some schools districts are more apt to hire full time teachers from their substitute ranks.

Licensure: is the official recognition by a state governmental agency that an individual meets state requirements.
Certification: is the process by which the profession grants special recognition to an individual who has met certain qualifications specified by the profession.
Alternative licensure: Programs have been developed as a response to 1) teachers shortages and 2) the perception on the part of some lawmakers that courses in education contribute little to a teacher's effectiveness.

In addition to teaching, there are other jobs teachers can do in their school districts to include librarian, counselor, administrator and school psychologist. Employment with child day care centers are an option as well. Large businesses also conduct training programs for their employees and require services from people who can write, design and implement programs.